Time for Yourself?

I don’t fly very often so when I do it’s somewhat of a big deal. There is still excitement over every aspect of it. I still listen to the flight attendant’s instructions about what to do “just in case”. There is one set of instructions that still makes me pause every time I hear it. It’s the part where they talk about loss of air pressure in the cabin when the oxygen masks fall. This is the part that makes me pause. They tell parents to put the oxygen mask on themselves first, then their children. This doesn’t make sense to any parent. You take care of your kids and their needs first. Actually when you hear the explanation the flight attendant’s instructions make perfect sense. The parents need to have oxygen so that they can help their children. What good are they if they pass out? None at all.

Some parallels can be made with our faith life. What would you think if you discovered that your pastors were not regularly reading the Bible on their own for themselves? You would think, “That’s crazy! I don’t want them for my pastors. They will do me no good if they are not filled with the Word themselves.” You would be right. Parents of our school children, what would you think if you found out your children’s teachers were not regularly reading the Bible for themselves? You would think, “That’s crazy! I don’t want them teaching my child. They will be of no spiritual good if they are not full of God’s Word themselves.” You would be right. But your own reaction condemns you if you are not regularly reading God’s Word for yourself. How can you be of any spiritual good to your children, your aged parents, your neighbors or co-workers if you are not filled with God’s Word? You can’t! One of my Seminary professors put it this way, “An empty pitcher pours no water.” That’s true. It must be filled up. And when it is emptied it must be refilled or it has again lost its value. The Holy Spirit put it this way in Colossians 3:16 (NIV) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Examine yourself. Is the Word of Christ dwelling in you richly or poorly? Have you created a habitual time to read or listen to the word of Christ on a daily basis? If you have not, rejoice that today is a brand new day filled with God’s grace and mercy. He desires to bless you and will bless you as He has promised through His Word!

Just as it is never too soon to get rid of a bad habit, it’s never too late to start a good one.

Happy reading!
Pastor Spaude