“Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” (Psalms 127:1-2 NASB)
Have you ever gotten wrapped up in something for God and lost sight of the true goal: loving and glorifying Him? It’s easy to become so passionate about a thing or even a ministry that we lose sight of the most important thing: Our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our most important relationship is with our Savior and Lord. It’s more important than family, friends, church, occupation, political party affiliation, country club membership, etc. Yet so often we allow “good” things to obscure our most important relationship. When He was on earth, even Jesus would retreat privately to spend time with God the Father.
In that logic, we have to make sure that our ministry not only honors God, but that He is leading our ministry. There have been many times where well-meaning. Christians have tried to convert others for Christ, but because of sin and arrogance God didn’t move. It wasn’t His will to move yet.
How do we do that? We must make sure our relationship with Him is first. Make time with Him! Only then can we know His guidance and direction. You cannot be successful and reaching other people for God if you neglect your own relationship with Him.
How do we change? This doesn’t necessarily mean giving up all your activities, unless God leads you to do so. It simply means you need to make time for Him. Read your Bible daily. Pray continually. Give Him glory in everything. Sing His praises. Then He will guide your heart and your ministry, then He will move mightily.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB)
R. S. Gullett 