Good Things Versus God Things
"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul." Deuteronomy 10:12
What does it really mean to love and serve God with all your heart and soul?
I think it means a lot of things. It means you say "yes" to God things and "no" to a lot of good things. But, what does that look like in practical terms, you may ask?
I think it means raising our standard on a daily basis, on a moment-by-moment basis, to choose God's best at every turn rather than simply accepting status quo.
It means going to church over going to the track meet, football game, soccer game, or baseball tournament.
It means fixing your neighbor's fence instead of going to dinner with your friends.
It means helping your wife prepare meals for the homeless instead of hanging out in the man cave.
It means practicing the piano instead playing video games.
Some of the things above are good things and there is nothing wrong with them, in and of themselves. But, God requires more from His followers. And, we are to live the Christian life in stark contrast to the way the world lives.
James 1:27 tells us, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."
May we examine our lives and our choices before the Father, being mindful to give preference to God things over good things at every opportunity.
I think it means raising our standard on a daily basis, on a moment-by-moment basis, to choose God's best at every turn rather than simply accepting status quo.
It means going to church over going to the track meet, football game, soccer game, or baseball tournament.
It means fixing your neighbor's fence instead of going to dinner with your friends.
It means helping your wife prepare meals for the homeless instead of hanging out in the man cave.
It means practicing the piano instead playing video games.
Some of the things above are good things and there is nothing wrong with them, in and of themselves. But, God requires more from His followers. And, we are to live the Christian life in stark contrast to the way the world lives.
James 1:27 tells us, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."
May we examine our lives and our choices before the Father, being mindful to give preference to God things over good things at every opportunity.
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