Today’s Theological Moment – Moby
Moby released “Extreme Ways”, you may better know it as the theme music from the Bourne movie. In the song there is a line that says ” I would stand in line for this; There is always room in life for this”.
One thing every person has in common, is that we make time for the things we desire. When I am really honest about that truth, I begin talking with God about my lack of desire for Him.
Saying that I am putting God first sounds good; but I notice that my thoughts, desires, and actions resemble those in Matthew 6:19-32, instead of fulfilling v.33 & v.34. So how do I correct this? How do I get to the place where my faith is fully vested in the truth and person of Jesus Christ?
You may not struggle in this way; but I know that any stress, anger, frustration, fear, worry, or sin is a lack of faith. It seems I contradict myself at times; on one hand I am fully confident that when I die I will be in the presence of Jesus and that He is fully able to keep me secure for all eternity, and then on the other hand I do not trust Him with the problems of the day. Oh I say I do; but many times I am unwilling to turn them over to Him completely, and sit quietly and patiently by while He works the situation out.
See, when I worry over something that I said I trusted God with, that means I don’t really trust Him with it. Peace does not coexist with stress, anger, frustration, fear, worry, or sin. Perfect peace comes because of prefect faith; and when I struggle, I try to be honest with God by acknowledging my weakness. He then reminds me that when I am weak He is strong; and that He abides faithfully even when I do not; and right there at that very moment He pours out even more grace!
Is it right to put God first in everything? YES!; but I must realize that I am still growing in my faith (ongoing sanctification); and through the constant use of His word, I will remain aware of which things I make time for that are not needful for Kingdom Building, and hopefully allow them to pass from my life. (Hebrews 4:12-13, 5:13-14, 11:1, 12:1-2, 13:8 & 20-21)
You may not be like me; but if you are, you can take comfort knowing that God keeps His promises (Philippians 1:6).
May God bless you richly as you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Pastor Mike