Losing Focus |
Aug 29, 2009 |
Are you like me and find yourself losing focus on the things that are most important? Do you find yourself going to extremes to try and take care of the things that you have? Sometimes being afraid that what you have might fall apart or get stolen? I find myself thinking that it would take too much time, money and effort to replace what I have because I have invested so much.
When I get this mindset, somehow God reminds me through a still small voice with these words, “Son you’ve got to get your priorities in order.” God never does this in a harsh way, but He gently encourages me to focus on what is truly important. He reminds me that my first priority is to know Him and then all of the rest will take care of itself.
I recently picked up the book “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan. In the first chapter Chan writes, “What if I said, “Stop praying”? What if I told you to stop talking at God for a while, but instead to take a long, hard look at Him before you speak another word? Solomon warned us not to rush into God’s presence with words. That’s what fools do. And often, that’s what we do. We are a culture that relies on technology over community, a society which spoken and written words are cheap, easy to come by, and excessive. Our culture says anything goes; fear of God is almost unheard of. We are slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry. The wise man comes to God without saying a word and stands in awe of Him.”
Chan writes that this is our first and greatest priority. That we need to understand who God is. He is awesome, He is the creator of this universe and He’s much more complex than we could ever imagine. And yet he desires to have a relationship with us.
As I communicate with ministries, I find many of them losing focus from time to time just like me. They have their ministries to manage and they are swamped. Constantly they are juggling priorities and busy taking care of the ministry. They tell me if I don’t take care of it, somehow it might fall apart and it could never be replaced.
Today, I would like to remind you …. “Son, or daughter, we need to get our priorities in order.”
Take some time today and reflect on who God is and all that He has done for you and your ministry. Allow him to speak to you however it may be. And if you are willing, might I suggest that you once again read through Mission Increase Foundations “Ten Principles of Transformational Giving” and you’ll find that you will have the priorities that God would desire for you and the ministry He has in trusted you with!
