Over-extended and over-committed - to what End?
"Next week, I am heading south for a vacation. In two months time, I am planning to start my Harvard off-campus non-credit course on Water Fowl Ornithology. I'm into ducks, piping plovers and cormorants. A bit of a hobby; but increasingly, I find myself running out of spare time. There is such a need in our city for good leadership; I am going to take a run at the mayor's position in the upcoming civic election. My term on the "Citizens for Social Development" Board will last five years with an opportunity to serve a second term. I am just run off my feet. Our architect, after almost a year of work, wants me to look at the plans for our new home tonight. Hopefully we'll be turning the sod within three months. And then it will be the arduous process of selecting finishings, furniture and fangles. After I return from my business trip to Addis Ababa, I hope to organize a neighborhood meeting to start developing a long range plan for a green space bird habitat. I could almost have an anxiety attack just thinking about all I have to do."
A Voice: "Oops, the cloud was lifted today. Pack up and let's clear out. It's time to move on."
Busy Person: "What? What are you talking about? Are you kidding? What about my plans?"
A Voice: "Oh, you aren't familiar with that Old Testament story?
To be sure, the busy person above was not one of the Israelites journeying through the wilderness in Moses' day. After Moses led the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt, they journeyed for forty years before they arrived at their 'destination'. Millions of them in one huge camp with their families and all their belongings. At the center of the Camp was their place of worship - The Tabernacle. God was leading them through the wilderness. He sent a cloud down over the Tabernacle during the daytime and a fire above it during the nights. And here's how it worked:
Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle,
the children of Israel would go onward in all their journeys.
But if the cloud was not taken up,
then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up.
(Exodus 40:36-37)
"Moses this is ridiculous! How can I make any concrete plans? I am one of those people who like to have all the bases covered. I need predictability and stability. I plan ahead. This cloud thing - well, I can't settle down at all. I never know when I set up my tent and drive down the pegs whether I'm here just over night, or for a week or for a year. Do you expect me to get up every morning and look towards the Tabernacle to see if the cloud is down or up and organize my day accordingly? This is nuts!"
I think Moses would say: "Yes, that's the way the Lord wants it. We are dependent upon Him for guidance. We are on a journey. We are not wilderness residents. We are just campers passing through, as the Lord directs our steps. Don't pound your tent pegs in too far because you might be pulling them up tomorrow and moving on."
Does God still expect us to live that way in 2011? Paul said: "We walk by faith; not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7. James condemns those who make plans for the future without the Lord's guidance. (James 4:13-17) Peter referred to Christians not as residents but travelers and pilgrims. Paul cautioned Timothy against getting entangled in the affairs of this life.
"Lord, today I look to You for direction. I don't know what today or tomorrow has in store for me. Lead me Lord; I will follow. Help me to be completely wrapped up in the things that are significant for Eternity and to be untangled from the affairs of this life. Unravel the strings that are holding me back from serving You more. Help me to live more for the Ultimate and less for the Immediate."
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today,
Warmly in Christ
Peter Ramsay
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