We live in this world, but we are not supposed to conform to it and its ways.
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. You will then learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2
“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Do not think you are better than you really are. Be honest in the evaluation of yourselves; measuring inwardly by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” Romans 12:3
Like it says in Luke 9:23: we must daily follow the Lord!
So, where do I think we should have our Priorities?
Let us look at this way of life we lead. First, it says in the word Matthew 22:37-40, that we are to make time for God first and foremost in our lives. Second, we must take care of ourselves so we can do the second command Jesus is talking about.
1. God first.
-Praying/talking with God. Sharing our thoughts, as he wants to hear from you.
- Reading the inspired word of God. Knowing and doing what it says.
- Singing songs/Hymns and praise to our Lord and Savior.
(Now, notice how I put these three before this next one.)
-Gathering together with like-minded believers. (Church)
God wants the Church body to be strong; to get this we must spend time with each other as often as we can.
2. Yourself.
- Spiritually, which involves the above.
- Emotionally, which involves what we do and who we are around.
- Physically treat your body good.
- Eat good, solid food.
- Exercise your body.
- Rest— yes, we must get enough sleep.
- Fasting, which makes our prayers more effective, and God speaks to us much more. Plus, it gives our bodies time to clean out, making us healthier.
3. Our spouse and children.
- Making sure we encourage the above for our spouse and children.
- Loving, nurturing, and guiding them in this.
- Giving them our time and presence by just being there.
- Church (Gathering of like-minded believers) and not forsaking the assembly like it says in Hebrews 10.
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to perform acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
How can we build a church if we are not there first, in front of our other activities? We have to be present at the church to build it into what God desires for us.
4. Hobbies, Sports, Activities other than the church.
- Hunting, Sewing, etc.
- Basketball, Football, etc.
- Playing board games, video games, cards, etc.
There is so much of the world that wants us to fall because it is aligned with the evil that comes from Satan. He seeks to seek kill and destroy us, but if we are constantly looking to God’s ways, his word, his people, it will not happen. We will stand if we build our foundation on the rock and have other believers constantly around us.
Keep in mind when we are absent, we are creating a missing part of the body that is important. Whether it’s a foot, leg, arm, an eye, or ear, we are all needed to complete the body so we can flourish as THE CHURCH!
Just want all of you reading this to know: God Loves you and so does your Associate and Worship Arts Pastor Kent Furch. Until next time, Blessings to you all!!!
I will leave y'all in all with this: Romans 12:9-13, 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.