Scripture
"Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward." (2 John 1:8)
Observation
Modern inventions have pretty much automated the world in which we live. We're able now to pre-program a system, and without much effort receive in return the results we desire. From cruise controls that will allow a vehicle to operate at a predetermined speed, to the auto-pilot that releases the pilot from flying an airplane, automation seems to rule the physical world. And we like it so because it offers us convenience.
Convenience has so dominated the face of the modern world that it has spawned "convenient stores" that sell "convenient foods." Last week, convenience store '7-Eleven' announced its 400th store in Singapore. It all goes to show how popular convenience is to us. Even relationships are being discovered in "convenient" computerized match ups. And underlying it all, there seems to be a self-centeredness at its core.
We seem to thrive on convenience because it frees us to do things faster and quicker, which allows us more time to do what we want to do, when we want to do it, without having to wait. Life becomes all about "us."
But it shouldn't be so when it comes to our spiritual walk and our relationship with Christ. While the world may toss a variety of options our way that will make it easier and more convenient for us to live, caution must be taken that we don't apply the same attitude and desire to our Christian life, lest we "drift away" (Heb. 2:1).
John's cautionary words here should be taken to heart in our convenience created society. Day to day we are presented with the same offerings as false teachers did in John's days - exchange the life of a Christian for the "easy life." But nothing in life that's worthy, especially to the Lord, will be found in a convenience store.
Convenience has so dominated the face of the modern world that it has spawned "convenient stores" that sell "convenient foods." Last week, convenience store '7-Eleven' announced its 400th store in Singapore. It all goes to show how popular convenience is to us. Even relationships are being discovered in "convenient" computerized match ups. And underlying it all, there seems to be a self-centeredness at its core.
We seem to thrive on convenience because it frees us to do things faster and quicker, which allows us more time to do what we want to do, when we want to do it, without having to wait. Life becomes all about "us."
But it shouldn't be so when it comes to our spiritual walk and our relationship with Christ. While the world may toss a variety of options our way that will make it easier and more convenient for us to live, caution must be taken that we don't apply the same attitude and desire to our Christian life, lest we "drift away" (Heb. 2:1).
John's cautionary words here should be taken to heart in our convenience created society. Day to day we are presented with the same offerings as false teachers did in John's days - exchange the life of a Christian for the "easy life." But nothing in life that's worthy, especially to the Lord, will be found in a convenience store.
- Developing a deeper relationship with God takes time - time to open the Word daily and meditate on it seriously; time to build family altars; time to pray fervently;
- Serving others takes time, although it may seem as an inconvenience to us;
- Developing relationships within our family, meaningful, quality time, takes time, but is a priceless investment of it.
Application
I was truly blessed through this round of Leaders' Mentoring. I facilitate three groups of men over two weekends every month. This time round our focus was on Biblical Thinking. What thrilled me most was when every one of these guys shared how they are investing time with their families, especially in building family altars. They do this diligently despite that fact that they are very busy men - at work as well as in the ministries God has called them to. But they are putting family first and that is by no means convenient .
I was truly blessed through this round of Leaders' Mentoring. I facilitate three groups of men over two weekends every month. This time round our focus was on Biblical Thinking. What thrilled me most was when every one of these guys shared how they are investing time with their families, especially in building family altars. They do this diligently despite that fact that they are very busy men - at work as well as in the ministries God has called them to. But they are putting family first and that is by no means convenient .
There is so much that the Lord has already accomplished in our lives. May we be watchful today that we don't choose ease over effort and invest my time well with what God requires of us.
Prayer
Father, thank you for all that you've done in my life. May I follow Your ways, regardless of the costs to me.
