"Mark this day down!"
We giggled yesterday when I left a fabric store empty handed. It does not happen often. Some might think I'm obsessed with fabric and
yarn. Not really. I do have some restraint. I do try to keep "my wits" in a
tempting situation.
I did think of a couple examples of letting something
innocent control me. They really are innocent and were easily a
part of my everyday life. Too soon they consumed every moment of my time and
thought. So you will stop wondering, one
of these obsessive items was the first Gulf war. I spent all of my time in front of the
TV. I planned my day around the
televised military news briefings. I
left the TV on in the bedroom all night. If I tried I could probably hum the "theme
song" the TV networks used for updates. As I reflect, I was not fearful. I didn't personally know someone deployed. I was just so interested and fascinated. It started in my mind as information for
prayer but later I realized it controlled my thoughts, my time and my daily
life. I knitted a complete sweater in a
handful of days during the time in front of the TV. I call it my Gulf War
sweater.
Deuteronomy 13 warns that temptation comes from among us. "Among you" is used in this chapter
four times in the translation I read.
These words stuck in my mind.
We are warned that we can be swayed by flash, friends,
family and fellowship. The Israelites
were warned that even if the doer of a sign or wonder that works tempts them
away from God, Don't follow. Even if your close friend or family member
suggests a new way to worship, don't follow.
If a whole community follows another god, don't follow. In fact, the Israelites are told to keep away
and destroy it.
I can recognize the blatant heresy and it's easy not to
follow, to stay away and if appropriate destroy it. This chapter reminds me of the subtle, more
emotional temptations. There are so many
"aids" to make my life better in our world that it takes wisdom and
strength not to follow after every life strategy presented. Often, these aids come with proven success
stories or from close family and friends.
Perhaps whole communities or
groups have had success and we think there must be right in numbers and
success.
I am reminded that every day I will have opportunities to
spend my time, my money, my energy, my thoughts. There will be opportunities to follow God but
the more tempting and too often more attractive opportunities will be those
that keep me from following God and developing my relationship with God.
Since I have noticed these incidents in my past, I think ahead. Yesterday, I didn't buy fabric because I knew
it would have to go home in the little suitcase that I have to carry. I thought about the consequence of my action. I concluded there was nothing I had to have
yesterday.
I have sought a schedule.
I spend time with God almost first thing each morning. I usually get a few distractive items out of
the way-making coffee, getting puppies out and settled, perhaps a load of
laundry and sometimes brush my teeth. If it will tug on my mind and only take a
minute, first thing, I do it, so I can focus my mind on the scriptures and what
God will say to me today.
I have found when I spend time with God First, then I am not
so tempted by flash, friends, family and fellowship. My daily study time equips me to recognize the
subtle temptation and wrong teaching.
My daily study time is the rudder of my day. I have found
that skipping does not make the day go better.
It does not save me time and energy.
Spending the five minutes or so, organizes my day and I find I have more time when I take this time.
This chapter tells me that to love God with all my heart and
soul (because I really want to love God)
I must choose God first over other gods;
I must choose God's way over other ways (even though someone
close has a better way);
I must choose God's ministry (even though my selfish desire
looks more important); and
I must choose God's
future (even when I know I'm a good planner).
To love God with all my heart and soul, I will follow Him
and keep Him First; I will obey God's commands; I will serve God; and I will
hold fast to God even when tempted by something seemingly innocent and "among us".
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