First Things First

This year, so far, I have been seeking to find ways to get closer to God. I have been praying harder, more often. I have been starting my day in prayer, music and Bible reading. I have been trying to find things to be grateful for each day. I have listened to Christian radio, all three stations I could find, through-out the day in my car. I've been tithing.

I have been thinking about what I need to do to prepare for next year, and what it is going to be like. More and more, I am coming to the conclusion that I am going to have to let a lot of "stuff" go when I leave this apartment, and take my fur babies to their last "forever home". Surprisingly, as much as I know it's going to hurt me, I also have a peace about it.

That is going to hurt. BAD. But, I know I will have to do it. There is no way I can think of that I can keep them and do what I am being called to do. I sort of feel like Abraham with Isaac on the mountain; only, I'm not going to kill my fur babies, and I seriously doubt that God is going to tell me He changed His mind, this time. As far as the "stuff" is concerned, God is showing me how much we, as human beings, depend on our belongings, and value our belongings. He is also showing me how easy it is for our belongings to cause us to sin. Sometimes our belongings are more important than spending time with Him and following His commands. There is a lot I am going to have to let go of.

Matthew Chapter 19

16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

In verse 25, the disciples understood that Jesus wasn't talking about just rich men. He was talking about anyone who owned any of value by the world's standards. He was talking about anyone who put their things in a place of importance in their lives.

So, when I go out on the road, the only things I will seek to keep are my clothes, my toiletries and my tools of the trade in which I work. Without those things, I cannot do the job that God is calling me to do. With more than those things, I will not be as effective as He needs me to be.