THE ONE DAY SIMPLE CHALLENGE
-
Yesterday we began our new series, SIMPLIFY. I asked our body, What is truly important to you? It’s an easy question. In an instant we know our true priorities. Family. Kids. The Lord. Husband or wife. Grandchildren. It’s always a short list. Always. And yet we find ourselves at times focusing on everything besides what’s important. Look at what is NOT on that short list: No cell phones, bills, job deadlines, stress, internet, or television. Too often the things of this world distract us, crowding in on our relationship with Jesus and our family.
I have issued a ONE DAY CHALLENGE to our church. To look at our lives, and for one day focus on what is important. For you, it may be a day without television, one day without your cell phone, one day without the news, or one day without the internet. Not easy, but will allow us to remind ourselves that our time must (must!) be spent doing what is critical in our lives.
The Lord’s disciples had moment of simplifying their lives. In Luke 5:11 we see Jesus calling his first followers. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Life changed for Simon because he made a decision to leave his own life, even his job, and follow Jesus. While none of us are going to make a dramatic pop-the-slide-and-exit-the-plane moment at work this week, what we can do is come home at the end of the day and not bring the stress of the world home with us. Small steps to simplifying our lives can change everything. EVERYTHING!
If you participate this week in the challenge, let me know. Email me your experience. This coming Sunday I am going to read your stories at church (anonymously!). Take a step towards simplifying your life. Less stress. More family. More Jesus.
Leave a Reply
The Oaks Fellowship
PO Box 5511
Johnson City, TN 37602
423-232-6257
office@theoaksjohnsoncity.com
Sundays, 10AM
Wednesdays, 7PM
2 Responses and Counting...
I spend way too much time on the computer. I plan to limit myself to one status post per day on Facebook and spend a little extra time with my mom. She just lost her brother who called her every morning, and I know she is missing those calls. I’ll report back Friday!
Good job Teresa!