Strong spirits: the most important thing
If you had to pick one thing to do, what would it be?
What is the most important thing you do every day?
Think for a minute. If you had to pick one thing, what would it be?
I'm guessing there could be many answers, depending on how you read and interpret the question. "Breathing" would be a good answer! And yet, I have two friends who just stopped breathing in this world, and I believe are rejoicing that they did, and celebrating mightily in the next. So "breathing" may not be the best answer.
I'd say, pleasing God. I say that because if we are followers of Jesus, we are called to be like him. And it appears that in his life on this earth, that was the one thing that shaped his life more than any other...
"Why were you searching for me," he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" Jesus to Mary and Joseph, at age 12 (Luke 2:49)
"I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." Jesus, praying to his father (John 17:4)
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done." Jesus again, praying to his Father (Luke 22:42)
If Jesus sought to please his Father in the most difficult moment of his life, I think it is fair to assume he sought to please him in every moment of his life.
So should we. What would be more important than that?
Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
