May 4, 2018 Brethren Letter
Dear Brethren,
Are you perfectly balanced in everything you do? In other words, do you get the right amount of exercise? Do you eat well-balanced meals each day, and get the proper rest? What about the subjects of prayer, Bible study, and meditation? Do you devote the right amount of time, or does the day get away from you before you’ve gotten too far? Life is filled with many responsibilities. There’s earning a living, paying bills, spending quality time with your family, and keeping your home in good repair. Obviously, the list of things to do is much larger than what I’ve written in my opening paragraph!
All of us can find ourselves losing out on needed sleep, rushing through a meal, or even praying far less than we should. Some could begin to think that if only they could add another ten hours or so to the day they might get everything done. Is that true? Probably not.
Let’s face it, there are twenty-four hours in a day. God has permanently set time in motion as He planned it. It can’t be changed! “Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; (Genesis 1:14). Every one of us is given the same amount of time. However, it is our responsibility to MANAGE that time wisely.
Have you ever considered simplifying and prioritizing your life? We are admonished in Ephesians 5 to redeem our time wisely. “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming [to rescue from loss] the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
The top priority we should have is shown in the book of Matthew. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
We can look at our lives and think, if only I had a different job, a better college degree, or a mate, things would be different, and I would have more time. Well, I can honestly tell you that people who have different jobs from yours, better college degrees, or even a mate, also struggle and must prioritize what they do.
Having your mind focused on what you COULD have had, will not change anything about what you DO have, or what God expects of you. This is how the apostle Paul thought: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you” (Philippians 3:13-15).
As CHRISTIANS, it is imperative that we prioritize our lives, to achieve a right balance. God expects us to LIVE well-balanced lives! Our top priority should be to put God FIRST above all else! That’s the starting point!
I’ll end tonight’s letter with a couple of paragraphs taken from the Good News of Tomorrow’s World, Personal from the Editor, July 1971, by Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong.
The converted Christian can LOSE the presence of God’s Spirit by CONTINUED NEGLECT. Neglect of prayer, neglect of Bible study, neglect of spiritual fellowship with God’s people. Or, by continuing too close a friendship with unconverted people — letting participation with them in material interests, pleasures, sports, entertainment cause NEGLECT of spiritual interests. Don’t misunderstand. A certain amount of diversion can be healthy. And you cannot avoid all contact with unconverted people. But never let it DOMINATE in your interest and heart.
To the Colossians, God says through Paul: “Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1). That is, instead of SEEKING an interest in television shows, or popular materialistic interests, actively SEEK more knowledge of Christ — more of the UNDERSTANDING that comes from GOD, in the Bible. Make this your MAIN interest.
The development of our spiritual lives and having a right relationship with God are the most important priorities we can (and should), have.
Have a wonderful Sabbath!
Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold