Satan works constantly to keep God’s people busy with things that have no eternal merit. The lost world is enamored with gadgets and activities that satisfy immediate fleshly cravings but do little or nothing for the soul. As Christians, we are not far behind in our pursuit of the earthly even though we are admonished to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. As your pastor, it is my prayer that 2010 will be a year of return to the basics in Christian life and ministry. Brother Ryan Hayden shared the following illustration with me recently that fully illustrates my point.
A motivational speaker was addressing a packed room of business men on the subject of time management. He took a clear pitcher and filled it with rocks. Upon completion he asked, “How many think the pitcher is full?” Almost every hand went up. He then took some gravel and poured it onto the rocks shaking the mixture down. He asked again, “How many think this pitcher is full?” Only half the people raised their hands. The next ingredient poured into the pitcher was fine sand with the same question being asked. He ended by pouring in water until the pitcher was truly full. When he asked for the moral of the illustration, he received varied responses but most said, “No matter how much you are doing you can always find time for more.”
The speaker stated, “The correct answer is that in life you must put the big rocks in first or you will never be able to fit them in later.” In 2010, I want us to make sure the big rocks are in first.
Bro. Jack
(January 3 Pastor’s Pen)