I read a short blurb recently about how some years ago, 300 whales were found marooned on a beach. Scientists speculated that the whales had been chasing sardines and became trapped in shallow water when the tide went out. By chasing little sardines, these gigantic creature were ultimately lead to their doom.
The application to us is easy to make. How many people do you and I know who are now or will get “beached” due to chasing little things? What makes it even worse is that it happens before we realize it.
I’m reminded of several Scriptures-both from the mouth of Jesus.
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Mt. 6:24) {As an exercise, substitute another word for money-sports, fame, pleasure, people acceptance, etc and see how it fits}
The other is found in the same chapter of Matthew: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Verse 33)
I’m sure you can add more Scripture. Like the book of Ecclesiastes. Like Matthew 22:37-38.
I will grant you that it is a daily battle. I know it is for me. To stay focused on that which is important-on WHO is important-on WHAT is important-is a titanic struggle of great magnitude.
But it is one we must fight. To choose to chase sardines is a losing game. It only leads to “beached” lives. A dead end.
To choose to pursue God and His kingdom may not yield much fruit here on earth, but the reward is out of this world!
What will you choose to chase?
There is no lack of distraction in this life. Every shiny bobble, every movement, every sound… so easily distracted. Too often that distraction leads to a temporary side trip that often requires a course correction. Keeping my eyes on God, Keeping Him in my cross-hairs, Making sure my compass is always pointing to Him sure helps and when I do get off course, thankfully, I know how to relocate true north.
That distraction is a for sure Ryan. And you have the way to find the path back home.
Choosing God above all else is a constant, daily commitment for me, Bill. So many distractions interfere if I don’t concentrate on my first love.
Blessings!
I have so many distractions also Martha. As Ryan put it: so many shiny baubles. And yes, it takes concentration.
Bill,
This was a excellent and outstanding word today.
I liked it when you used different things instead of money. Strong pictures came to my mind. We read money and move on, thinking that is not me. Throw other
things in there, you have to stop of how those things could get in the way of your fellowship with the Lord. You have to practice putting the Lord in your thinking in everything you do. There are many articles written on how to accomplish this. It can happen, just not over night. When you really get hungry for God, it will happen.
Thank You for what you have shared today.
Blessings upon your life,
Charlotte Wills
Hi Charlotte! I’m glad to hear from you. On your thought: I do get tired of money always seeming to be the focus. In my life it isn’t money but “things” like being liked/accepted, being known, etc. Thanks for your thoughtful answer and for the blessing.
Great point Bill. I read Deuteronomy 6-11 this morning, and it’s the same story, we lose focus on everything that God provides, who He is, we give our glory and praise to things that do not deserve it, we forget our first love, we are stiff necked people. We continue to make the same mistakes over and over. Father please help me to keep my eyes focused on You alone, to love You with all my heart and soul, and keep myself from repeating the sins of my ancestors. Let me live in awe and fear of the Great I Am for the rest of my days.
You make a very important point Gail- we make the same mistakes over and over. Your prayer is my prayer as well.