Day 17
Be encouraged, no matter how busy your schedule is…you are not as busy as you think you are. Whenever I start complaining about how busy I am, I recall a story from my days in the Navy. I used to teach a class about leadership (keep the comments to yourself), and it was in the days of Ed Deming and Total Quality Leadership…it was actually a great program…but I digress.
So I had to fill up the class once a month, and to do that I would go to each office and ask the name of who they were sending. Well one day, a “salty” Chief Petty Officer told me, “Sir…we are too busy, and can’t afford to send anybody this time (he had told me that same line last time as well). So I said, “what about you going? He said, “Sir, no way that I can be out of the office.” By the way…to me, that is like tossing chum to a shark.
I started my analysis, “Okay Chief…let’s analyze that comment. Let’s say that you were sick tomorrow?” Answer: “Sir, I would have to find a way to tough it out.” I continued: “Okay Chief…let’s say that you were so sick that you couldn’t lift your head off of the pillow?” Answer: ”I would find a way to come in sir.” I continued, “okay Chief…let’s say that you died…then what would happen.” He looked at me and said, “Sir…I guess the work would get done.” I said, “Chief…you weren’t as busy as you thought you were!”
While I wanted to do backflips and gloat in my victory…it really made me think about my life. By the way…the Chief went to the class, loved it…and it really changed the way he did business.
Dan…the point…oh yeah. In Matthew 6:25-32, Jesus tells everyone not to worry about what they will eat, drink, and wear…read the story. But he closes the argument in Matthew 6:33 – seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these things will be added to you as well.
So what Jesus is saying. Just focus on me. Spend your time doing what I want you to do, and I will take care of EVERYTHING! And I love in verse 32, Jesus tells that our Heavenly Father knows that we need these things. He knows that we need food, and clothes, and shelter. And He promises to provide…so why don’t we let Him? That doesn’t mean that we lay around eating potato chips and watching reruns (no…I don’t do that). He says “seek FIRST” God’s desires, and if you are doing that…He will take care of the rest.
So be encouraged! You don’t have to be busy chasing the things of the world…because God is standing by to give you everything that you need if you will just “seek Him first.” Oh yeah…you do that by praying, and seeking God’s wisdom and will for your life in the bible. And He will take care of the rest.
Have a great…and restful day, seeking God’s kingdom and putting Him to the test. He will pass the test every time!
Grace and Peace, Dan
