As we near the end of the first full week of 2010, let's reflect on Pastor Sam's sermon one more time. Today, we'll talk about the indictment of doing the right things in the wrong order. (Some of these points are from the sermon, and some are add-ons.)
Cain had that problem. He brought an offering from his farming efforts. But God had mandated that the sin offering be presented first, and the sin offering required the sacrifice of an animal.
Martha had that problem. She had a strong gift of hospitality and serving. But in her act of service, she missed the chance to sit at the feet of the One who had given her these wonderful gifts.
The rich fool had that problem. He demonstrated himself to be a man of wisdom and industry. He could boast the honor and prestige of personal profit, but there was no proof that he had honored God.
The disciples had that problem. In a moment, they could transition from acknowledging Jesus's miraculous works to questioning His character and sensibility.
I have that problem. In a world that pushes for fast answers, I get nervous and agitated if weeks go by with no prophetic word from God. And in that agitation, sometimes I say things that shouldn't be said (or do things that shouldn't be done). As if God has to reply on my timetable.
Maybe you also have this problem, this challenge of living a "God first" life in a "me first" world.
The good news is, we are still alive! We can ask the Holy Spirit to evoke change in us! And we can witness the miraculous as the Lord turns our hearts towards Himself, and He becomes all in all. May God help us to do so.
LORD, help us to get the order right: You are first.
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