First Things First
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags: Bible Lessons on Priorities
Recently a learned man made the following statement: “We worship our work, we work at our play, we play at our worship.” We believe this is a fair appraisal of folk in our time. Too often, that which is first is, alas, last!
We Worship Our Work — The workaholic syndrome is finally becoming recognized for the curse that it is. Responsibilities to family and our Lord’s church and its works are being neglected by men. One’s job demands excess time and energy so that God and family suffer neglect, than one becomes guilty of sin! He has made his work his god.
We Work At Our Play — Adult recreation is big business. Not only do we fish, golf, job, ski and play tennis, but each of these activities requires its own special uniform and equipment. This generation is so hooked on recreational activities that they are demanding the church build gymnasiums (family life centers, so-called) and provide athletic and recreational programs in order to hold members in a church relationship. As a result, we now have church ball teams and bowling leagues “to keep our folks interested in the church.” In many instances, more actual work is expended in our “church play” than in preaching the gospel to the lost.
We Play At Our Worship — Yes, we are dabblers in the religion of Christ. We want our worship in small doses. The attitude of “just enough to satisfy the minimum requirements of the Scriptures” is more widespread than many realize. One hour, once a week, is the worship program of the majority of those who claim to be New Testament Christians. Our Lord demands that we give Him the first and the best of our time, effort, and substance (Matthew 6:33). He will accept no less. When one gives less, his worship is in vain! (Matthew 15:7-9).
Only when we offer all that we are and possess, will He accept our worship and reward our service! (Romans 6:16-22).
—Selected via the Montana Street bulletin