My pastor preached from the book of Haggai
yesterday, which is the second shortest book in the Old Testament. Sunday
evening, while watching football, I decided to read the two very short chapters
of Haggai. I sat with my Bible open while cheering for the Pittsburg Steelers. I
decided to read the introduction to Haggai first, to get a better understanding.
I chuckled as I read how priorities and values are reflected by how we spend our
time. Hmmm…my Bible was running a close second to the Steelers. It was a good
game, but so was the book of Haggai. I kept reading and cheering, and guess
what? The Steelers lost. I watched the post-game show, and a few players from
the winning team, the Baltimore Ravens, were interviewed. One player, Ray Lewis,
mentioned telling his team the night before the game, to get in position to
receive God’s blessings. Ray Lewis’ statement pricked my heart. I wondered if I
could be in position to hear from God while watching television.
I really didn’t
see anything wrong with reading my Bible while watching the game; I didn’t have
to be reading it at all! It really wasn’t about the timing of my reading, but
about the value I placed on God’s Word at that particular moment. I don’t ever want to get so comfortable with
God or His Word that I depreciate the
amazing significance to my life. God
already has to compete with the busyness of my day, so why invite competition?
Just as I want my husband’s and sons’ undivided attention when I talk to them,
God would like my undivided attention every now and then also. Priorities need
to be checked. What’s important in our
life? Where we spend our time and money will give us a clue. I not only need to get in position, I need to
stay in position to hear and receive from God! Thank you, Pastor. Thank you, Haggai, and
thank you Ray Lewis! Happy Monday and let's get
in position!
