HAVE DONE WITH LESSER THINGS

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  (Col.3:1-2)

There is not much difference in the ability of professional athletes.  Those who are champions have that special something that sets them apart—it is the laser-like focus that makes the hoop seem bigger in basketball, seems to slow the baseball down into the hitting zone, and makes the cut through the hole precise in football.  It may be referred to as being “in the zone.”

How is it that a businessman can be fixated with a deal, a sports figure with getting a win, a politician with gaining an office, and a cook with winning a blue ribbon at the county fair, while we as men of God may be content with mediocrity?  It is true that some men collapse morally and become disqualified.  Many more simply muddle along, doing enough to get by—and that is so wrong.

Our focus on God’s Kingdom agenda must be intense and not distracted by the things of the world.  There are bad things we must avoid for certain, but the greater peril may be the good things that drain the energy and diminish the productivity of ministry excellence.

J. Wilbur Chapman said it like this,

My life is governed by this rule: anything that dims my vision of Christ or takes away my taste for Bible study or cramps my prayer life or makes Christian work difficult is wrong for me, and I must, as a Christian, turn away from it.

Let us ruthlessly put away all that hinders us and relentlessly pursue all that God has for us!  The cause of Christ is worth it!

Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.

Rise up, O men of God!
The kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.

Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up and make her great!

Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where His feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!  (William P. Merrill)