Scripture

 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.

~1 Corinthians 6:12, NLT

Quote

Since we have been bought with a price {high price}, perhaps we should forego the shallow and fruitless pursuits that satisfy our material appetites and our craving for recognition.

~Calvin Miller {paraphrase}

One of the reasons I need to give credit to authors is to maintain my shallow integrity but there is another reason: if you know me, you would know how hypocritical it would be for me to say these things. This extended quote comes from Miller’s INTO THE DEPTHS and it convicts me. I quote: “One of the bedfellows of materialism is busyness. It is a kind of sanctified hassle by which Christians vie for importance by comparing their agenda to yours. The idea is that the more one does for Jesus, the more the angels will be impressed. So we brag that we are here on Tuesday and there on Thursday. We are on a half dozen committees and we stay on the run between home and church. Busyness can lead us to claim we are living the good life.”

My mentor and father in the ministry was Calvin C. Inman and he had a pastor friend named David. On the way to the Pastor’s Conference, Bro. Inman would warn me about David. Bro. Inman could practically tell me what was going to happen. David was in your face and always bragging about what all he had done since he arose at 4:00 am. He would tell you how many visits he had made, prays that he had prayed and the whole nine yards. Bro. Inman was not impressed and neither was I. Busyness is a sign of insecurity and a shallow faith. Jesus never got in a hurry. You will never have a productive quiet time until you slow down. I love it when I have the entire day just to study, meditate and pray. I hate it when I feel pressed for time. I enjoy traveling if I am not pressed for time. Haste makes waste. Busyness will hinder your relationship with Jesus and it will cause you to miss the important things that are happening around you.

Unfortunately some people define themselves by their busyness and their need to be needed. It has not dawned on them, not yet, that the world will keep right on turning with or without them. Some one told me years ago, “Bailey, you do a little bit of everything and a whole lot of nothing.” Sounds a little like, “Jack of all trades and master of none.” By the way, I didn’t like the guy–he was a smart Alec and a know it all, but those words keep ringing in my ear. I don’t know that I have improved much if any but I do know this: no one can do everything and we are all tempted to threat trivial pursuits as if they are vital. The lawn does not have to be mowed, not today. The leaves do not have to be raked, at least not today. Don’t put your busy agenda before Jesus or the mission He would assign you if you would only slow down and listen.

Extra

Most of the thoughts are Miller’s: I just rearrange them. Even if I am guilty at times, I agree with everything he said. Hurry will destroy your quiet time. Thank God it is Friday. Joe Fitzgerald is having a hip replacement today. Pray for Joe. We begin the January Bible Study at Athens Sunday night. June says they are giving rain Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. What to you bet we get a little snow. It has happened several times before. No matter what week they choose, we have bad weather.

I hope you have a great day and thanks for reading the blog. I didn’t oversleep today, I just forgot to post.