To Busy with the important to Listen to the Best

1 Corinthians 10:14-22

I’ve known a few people that want to know how a book ends before they will read the book.  I’m not one of those, but as we look in 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, I going to break that rule and begin with verse 22.  In verse 22 Paul is asking two questions, the first requires an answer, but the second one is rhetorical, and yet in our culture people act as if God is not relevant.   

Before letting your thoughts go to the unchurched, or the Christmas and Easter churchgoer let’s examine ourselves; you know those who go by the title of disciples of Christ or followers of Christ.  Maybe, I should stick with me, for I do not have understanding of your walk with the Lord, but the rascal that looks back at me in the mirror each morning he has big problems.  Often, after asking Jesus to guide my thoughts and actions that day, I go about my busy day not asking for any more help, and at days end I wonder why it seemed nothing of value took place.

Do you ever stop and ask why did that person’s name come into my mind or do you dismiss it because it would interfere with your plans?  Often, I’m writing and a thought comes to my mind, why don’t you stop doing this and drop a note to a person who may need a kind word, and to my shame I often let the important get in the way of the best.  What about buying something you do not need but you want it at that moment, do you stop and ask Jesus are these desires coming from you or my flesh? 

Have you looked up 1 Corinthians 10:22, are you wondering will Bob ever share the questions the apostle Paul is asking?  Verse 22, “Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?”  Have you given thought to whom you are too busy to inquire about?  He is INFINITE GOD, having no bounds; He is SELF-EXISTENT, the only one in the universe that is uncreated; He is ETERNAL, His thoughts are never outdated; He is SELF-SUFFICIENT, He needs nothing outside of Himself.   And please remember this also for it is so important, He loves you, He knows all about you and He desires to have a relationship with you His creation, and to enter into fellowship with you! 

Is God Jealous?  The answer is yes; He values you too much to let you put anything before Him.  He has paid a high price for you, and Jesus is calling on His private line and wants to give you guidance.   Are you too busy, being busy to ask for direction?

Tomorrow we shall go back to verse 14 and examine the verses that proceeded verse 22.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice