Have you ever noticed that there can be one thing in the daily wash basket that keeps getting shoved to the bottom?
Obviously, there are articles of laundry that MUST be washed and returned for use; like socks and towels. Those things that we believe make our life better seem to always stay on top of the basket.
But, things that take a bit of extra time to tend to, even though they are important, like my blue sweater, keep getting set aside till, “later.”
Not because I don’t care about my blue sweater, I do, it’s one of my favorites! It’s just that it requires special attention. I can’t just toss it in the pile with the towels and set the washer to ‘normal load.’
But, today, when I finally had the time to hand wash my sweater; I was surprised to find that wearing it didn’t feel right any more. It was uncomfortable when I put it on, instead of feeling familiar like it used to. Hopefully, as I begin to wear it frequently; it will feel comfortable again.
Keeping my relationship with the Lord can be the same way. Instead of making time for prayer, it’s easy to lay Jesus aside till later. Then, just like the sweater in the bottom of the basket, other stuff gets piled on top of Jesus.
I don’t intend to put Jesus aside, but, life is so busy! Like with my sweater, setting Jesus aside also has personal consequences. (Galatians 6:7-8)
When I finally find time for the things of God, going to church can feel uncomfortable; prayer may not feel familiar anymore. If “God things” have become uncomfortable to me, only I can change that. Comfort and familiarity come from use.
In time, if I don’t choose to make Jesus a ‘comfortable’ part of my life again, I will eventually dispose of Him. Tossing Him aside like an old garment, I’ll walk away and not look back—not even realizing what I’ve lost.
II John 1: 8-9 Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
Prayer: My Lord, help me to always make time for you in my life. In the hustle of life, it can be easy to set time for you aside until I –HAVE–time for you. Show me how to mold my life around you, and not set you aside. I love you. Amen
Scripture Reference:
Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.