As I have walked through the swamp for the last year of my life, I have been actively looking around. I’ve been watching how others respond to struggle. I’ve observed who lives a life motivated by fear and who stands in opposition to it. I’ve seen who carries a stronger alliance with my heart.
I’ve been looking for those who dare to trust that God is exactly Who He says He is, and then live like they believe it. Those are my people.
I am immediately turned off from people who carry a strong spirit of fear. Those who can’t seem to navigate life without being scared and speaking fear into everything. In the same way that I avoid angry people, I also avoid fearful ones. Lest I be influenced by that same spirit.
As I’ve looked around, I’ve wondered, “Am I in or out? Will I choose to walk out life with _____, or not?”
These are healthy and valuable questions, I believe. As a wife and a mom to four kids, my time is very valuable. I don’t have a lot to share. Time is my greatest asset. How I spend it must be wise. It’s your greatest asset too. How are you spending it?
When I look at my day, I weigh it carefully. God gets my first fruit, then the rest is distributed accordingly. My husband and kids get the next portion and all else is then divvied up.
This is the space in our life where our motives are exposed. Every single person has motives. Some are good, and some aren’t.
My greatest motivation is to be nearer to God. Family is a close second. Then the rest. It’s reflected in the way I balance my life.
How does your time reflect your motives in life? Who receives your greatest portion? What motivates the way you spend your time? A need to feel valued? A desire to be popular? A striving for perfection? A desire to know God more? A need to connect with family?
You see, it’s easy to begin to expose motives when we really take a hard look at how our greatest asset is spent, our time. So, when you look at those around you and how you are best served spending your time, are you in or out? Are there places that deserve more of your time? Are there places that should have less?
Where you’re in, go all in. Where you’re out, be all out. It’s worth it.
Prayer Moment: God, show me any places where I’ve invested my time poorly. Help me to keep my greatest priorities, greatest. Help me to say no when I need to. Be my balance God. You are my greatest reward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
365 Days in the Presence 