Facts Are Facts

MAR 21 - MAR 27 2010 — FACTS ARE FACTS — ISSUE 146

Word has it this has been an incredible March Madness tourney, and normally I'd be in the thick of it to help confirm those claims. Right now, as most of you know, I'm a tad busy, so I have to live off small snippets and comments I'm given from others. If one of you could put together some sort of highlight reel, that would be really cool. I'll check it out when things slow down. October's looking pretty clear, so if you could have it ready by then that'd be great.

In order to watch some games, or even parts of them, I'd have to make some sacrifices. I'd either have to not go into work, or miss a church event, or neglect paying some bills and getting groceries, none of which would make much sense for just a basketball game. Sometimes I wonder, though, what we do sacrifice for in our lives, and if it's really worth it.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:25-27 - (Click to read)

In this passage Paul refers to well known games of those times. (Think the Olympics, but instead of gold they competed for a wreath of pine needles — hence the whole "not lasting" part) The participants would undergo intense training in self control, giving up certain foods, wine, cold drinks and sensual desires, and they'd stick to regimented schedules of exercise, no matter the weather or other responsibilities, for long periods of time. It's easy to wonder why people would do this just for a wreath of pine needles that  just dry up and die. Regardless of how you explain it, in the end it seems a bit foolish. Yet, if we dig deep enough, I bet there are a few "pine wreaths" in our lives that we're competing for.

If you were to make a list of the sacrifices you made during the last month, what would come out on top? What did you sacrifice the most for, and what was sacrificed the most in order to obtain other things?  I've known people who go to extremes to afford a trip or purchase, yet struggle to come up with a few bucks for something church related. I've seen people give up sleep and great amounts of time for work, yet grumble about getting up early or giving up free time to do something for God or to encourage their brothers and sisters in Christ. So here's my question for you as we continue to look at idols in our lives this week:

If the world were to look at your list of sacrifices, and you were not able to give any explanations, meaning, the list speaks for itself and the facts stand on their own; which god would they think you serve?

Is your job worth giving up eternal life with God? Is that hobby, sport or activity worth sacrificing God's promise and making a mockery of Jesus' sacrifice? Is sleep worth hindering the work of the kingdom and possibly slimming someone else's chance at hearing the Truth? Sure these things pull on us since they are what we're surrounded by 24/7, and seem as if they are the most important thing since they affect our immediate future,  but we cannot lose sight of our final destination. We need to seek that much deeper to understand our ultimate goal, of what we are to be sacrificing for, so that it may take precedent in our lives. No one wants to get to the finish line only to discover they ran the wrong event. These things aren't inherently bad, but if you'll do it for the world, you'd better be willing to do more for God.

JAMES 1:22 - (Click to read)

It's easy to get defensive and try to justify our lists, but in the end our sacrifices and how we spent our time will reveal our true hearts and what really mattered most to us in our lives. Let's be doers. Let's be Christians. Let's be God's people, striving for an nonperishable crown, not a useless wreath.

THINGS TO NOTE: Family focused Bible Talk at Young's on Fri

THIS WEEK:

Monday - had enjoyed the warmer weather but hopes to be able to wear its Moon Boots one more time before summer hits

Tuesday- Continue praying for the sisters' idols

Wednesday – Normal 7:00 Midweek at the FQ

Thursday – Go out and conquer some more Idol Smashing Challenges for the campaign

Friday- 7:30 Bible Talk at the Young's - Don't forget your family photos

Saturday – Pray for God's love to reclaim those struggling in their walk

Sunday - Normal 10:00 Sunday Service at the MSC

Brett "A pretty tall dude for a short guy" Hibbler