Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In today’s bustling world, feeling overwhelmed by busyness is almost a universal experience. So many opportunities bombard us each day, often leading us to fill our schedules with seemingly productive activities. Yet, in this whirlwind of good intentions, it’s essential to pause and evaluate whether these pursuits align with what God truly desires for our lives. As we look to Scripture for direction, we uncover profound wisdom in Galatians 6:8, which states,
“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
This verse illustrates the importance of choosing to invest our time and resources into pursuits that align with God’s will over those that merely satisfy our selfish ambitions or societal expectations.

The Allure of Busyness

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get caught up in a whirlwind of activities? This busyness can stem from commitments at work, volunteer opportunities, social engagements, or even good deeds. In and of themselves, these activities may be good. However, we must ask ourselves: Are they truly great?
In the end, good things can often prevent us from engaging in the God-ordained things—the activities that fulfill our divine purpose. Life can become a series of distractions disguised as duties, sapping our energy and focus on what genuinely matters.

Understanding the Distractions

Satan, as the master manipulator, seeks to disengage us from our God-given purpose. While we may diligently commit ourselves to good endeavors, we risk neglecting the greatness that God has called us to pursue. Just because something is good does not inherently mean it is beneficial for our spiritual growth.
In John 10:10, Jesus illustrates this relationship perfectly when He states,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Satan’s goal is to distract and detract us from the abundant life that God offers. Ultimately, we become ensnared by the mundane, robbing us of the extraordinary journey God has planned for us.

The Early Church’s Example: All-In Devotion

To pull ourselves out of this cycle of meaningless busyness, we can look to the early church for inspiration. Acts 2:41–47 describes their commitment to the teachings of the apostles, fellowship, breaking of bread, community life, and prayer.
These first believers devoted themselves to God and one another with an unwavering focus. They didn’t dabble in their faith; they fully committed their lives to it. The lesson we draw from their example is clear: our faith requires all-in devotion.

Moving Beyond Half-Heartedness

God is clear about lukewarm faith. In Revelation 3:15-16, the scripture reminds us,
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
Just as the early church members abandoned their old lives and adopted a passionate lifestyle focused on God, we too must embrace the radical commitment required to follow Christ fully.

Purposeful Living

Becoming a follower of Christ is not simply about attending church services or offering perfunctory prayers. It involves a total transformation—dying to self daily to fulfill our God-given purpose.

The Call to Action

When we step into our roles as believers, we must create space for spiritual growth through prioritization. To discern whether we are genuinely pursuing God’s calling in our lives, let’s reflect on Galatians 6:8 once more:
Are we sowing to the flesh by filling our schedules with meaningless activities, or are we choosing to cultivate our spiritual lives to reap the lasting rewards of the Spirit?

Practical Steps to Align with God’s Purpose

Embracing God’s will calls for practical changes in our lives, which may include:

1. Fasting: This spiritual practice helps us to focus on God by removing distractions.
2. Reading the Bible: Using apps like YouVersion can guide us through an intentional year-long biblical journey.
3. Creating a Spiritual Growth Plan: Identify actionable steps for personal growth. What books will you read? Which conferences will you attend?
4. Consistent Worship: Prioritize time spent in worship, whether personal or communal.
5. Involvement in Church: Engage actively in a Bible-believing and God-fearing church.
6. Participating in Small Groups: Find accountability and fellowship with like-minded believers.
7. Serving Others: Invest time and resources in helping those around you.
8. Giving Generously: Committing your finances, talents, and time to God’s work.

Aligning Our Priorities

Incorporating these practices into our lives creates a posture where we are more receptive to God’s guidance. When we prioritize spiritual growth and align our activities with His will, we open ourselves to receive the blessings He desires for us.

Conclusion

As we contemplate the busyness that often fills our lives, let us commit ourselves to pursuing what truly matters: sowing to the Spirit rather than the flesh. God desires for us to experience abundant life, but this is only found when we prioritize our relationship with Him.
Evaluate your life today. Are there good things occupying your time, preventing you from pursuing greatness in God’s purpose? Remember the example of the early church and the power found in committed devotion. It’s time to shift our focus from busyness to purpose, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33.
May we be intentional in rearranging our priorities—actively engaging in the God things, relinquishing distractions—so we may glean eternal treasures that come from cultivating a genuine relationship with our Creator. It’s time to put away superficial commitments and fully invest ourselves in the extraordinary life God has called us to live.