When everything is a mess, when the storm rages around us and there seems no end to the confusion getting back to the basics that center and refocus us. The basics help us see once again the BIG picture of who we are and how we relate to the world around us and the larger world in which we live. How big am I? How big is this storm now? How big is it compared to eternity?
Max Lucado, in a collection of his writings titled Grace for the Moment lists seven “God-given, time tested truths” that get us back to the basics. I think they remind us of the BIG picture and the small picture. They along with some comments follow:
• Love God more than you fear hell. It is real easy to fear evil more than love God. Love is the most powerful force in the universe after all God is love.
• Make major decisions in a cemetery. If we considered every decision as to how much it will matter one nanosecond into eternity (nano means one billionth) we might choose differently or be more confident about our choice.
• When no one is watching, live as if someone is. In a word integrity.
• Succeed at home first. These are the folks who will care for you when you are old or broke or broken.
• Don’t spend tomorrow’s money today. Washington are you listening? (sorry couldn’t resist)
• Pray twice as much as you fret. Twice? I don’t think that is enough do you? Prayer is a focus on the solution fretting is looking at the problem.
• God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same. It’s easy to be all righteous hen that’s not your issue. Let’s never forget There but by the grace of God go I.
Rick Warren is pastor of Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life he posted these words recently via twitter:
Build ur [your] ministry on 2 confessions:"HE is the Christ, Son of the living God"Mt16 & "WE are just human like you"Acts14
Jesus gave us the basics in Matthew 6:33
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. NIV
It is funny how easy it is to get away from the most basic principles of life and how comforting it is to remember them.
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