1 Corinthians 16: 5 I shall come to you after
I have gone through Macedonia—for I have to go through Macedonia. 6 I shall probably spend some
time with you, perhaps the whole winter, and then you can help me to continue
my trip, wherever it is I shall go next. 7 I want to see you more than
just briefly in passing; I hope to spend quite a long time with you, if the
Lord allows.
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“Hello. How are you?”
was my polite obligatory statement. I had a full day planned and had finally
gotten my schedule straight in my mind. She replied “Terrible” Then she started
to tell me why. The longer she talked, the more time ticked off the clock. Unfortunately,
I had to say “I have to go” in the middle of her tears.
- I have been overscheduled on items not concerning people.
- I have spent a large amount of time on things unrelated to people.
- I have planned my days so full, that I had no time for people.
Paul expresses his
care for those who he wrote the letter to. He also spoke about entire regions
he wanted to affect with the love of JESUS. He made plans to spend time with
people, but knew his life was in the LORD’s hands. His plans needed to be
flexible.
My Observations
- GOD wants me to make flexible plans that include caring for HIS people.
- GOD wants me to be flexible to be led to places HE wants me to go.
- GOD wants me to seek spending time with people so I and they can be made whole.
Worldly success
comes with a price. I mean, everyone cheers a rich person, but JESUS spoke about
the rarity of the rich entering heaven. HE said “Again I tell you, it is easier
for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to
enter the kingdom of God.”
Not knowing the full
criteria of the heart, I think JESUS was talking about lack of care for others.
It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to amass great wealth. This
time is usually not spent giving or listening or serving. GOD wants time. The
little time I spend here on Earth should have some of it focused on bringing
people to HIM. I am glad people made time for me.
Challenge
- What do you notice about the writer’s heart?
- How can your time conflict with caring for others?
- Will you add flexibility to your schedule so you can be available to GOD’s leading today?
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