“So here’s a radical idea: . . . Begin by devoting your time to honoring your deepest commitments. Trust God with your time. . . . God never gives anyone too much to do.”- John Ortberg (emphasis author’s)
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”- Matthew 6:34
John Ortberg concludes Chapter 11 of When the Game is Over as he talks about the fourth activity we must engage in to pursue God’s kingdom.
4. Joy – Jesus’ well-recognized capacity for joy drew people to Him. In addition, Jesus’ plan for His followers was that they be joy sharers. Yet, John attests, there’s one primary barrier that prevents people from wanting to know God: joy-impaired Christians!
However, most Christians don’t live in a constant attitude of defiance toward God. Instead, Pastor Ortberg believes the world’s influential molding represents our greatest danger. The author explains:
“The danger is that you will lead a respectable, decent, nonscandalous, busy, tired, human-powered life. That is incredibly sad. We all want to pursue the kingdom of God. We just don’t have the time.”
As a result, some people wait for their lives to get less demanding. Usually, John notes, that means a long wait. But, as Jesus attested in Matthew 6:34, we live in a fallen world. Therefore, as the early Christians realized, live as usual needed to be replaced with something better. Unless we follow Jesus’ way, we can’t have Jesus. As John quips, Jesus didn’t say “Seek ye first all these other things, and the kingdom of God shall be added unto you.”
In conclusion, Pastor Ortberg encourages, God gives you enough time to do what He’s called you to do. God gives everyone a day with the same amount of time. And it’s enough time to do what God wants us to do.
Today’s question: What Bible verses strengthen your resolve to honor your deepest commitments? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “An adventuresome partnership with God”
