Scripture: Rom. 13-16

Romans13:11-14
But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!

Observations: Business or busy-ness: One is better than the other in most senses. But both are horrible for the disciple if the things that keep him or her busy detract from participating in God’s plan.

Application: This was the day to renew my SOAP responsibilities, indeed. I’ve allowed the day-by-day obligations of pastor, father, husband, and general gadabout to detract from the time I spend talking to and listening for God. And, upon reflection, things haven’t been so great lately as a result. Lots of activity, but fewer results. SOAP helps me to focus, not on my to-do list but on God’s “it is done” list. God’s done the work, now I have to live it out.

I’ve spent a lot of time establishing goals and priorities for the church and for my own life. Its time to get back to those priorities.

Prayer: God, help me to see the main things and keep them in the forefront of my work. Christ have mercy, Amen.