Every time I see this quote floating around social media it reminds me of what’s truly important in life:
Make time for those who matter.
Practice gratitude.
Be present.
Be available.
Be authentic.
Be vulnerable.
Be kind.
Be generous.
Stay humble.
Don’t get caught up in comparison and competition.
Make every opportunity to encourage and empower other people.
Smile.
Listen.
Love.
Hug.
And always remember that you can’t take “stuff” with you when I die.
Until last week, that is, when suddenly this quote took on a whole new meaning.
Collect moments with Christ, not the things of Him.
Thing: An object that one does not wish to give a specific name to… an article, item, artifact, commodity, device, gadget, instrument, utensil, tool, etc.
Which got me thinking…
Has my personal relationship with Christ become just a thing – an experience I vicariously live through someone else, a story I hear, a Bible I carry, a church service I attend once a week, a job I perform (for those of us in full-time ministry), a sermon I half-heartedly listen to, lip service I pay, rules I follow, or a fake walk with façade talk?
Dare I ask the same of you?
Are you caught up with the things of faith – perhaps without even realizing – or are you creating moments with Him on a day-to-day basis?
Moment: A period of time that captures something of great importance… significance, note, weight, concern, interest, value, meaning, etc.
Is your God journey filled with conversation where you talk, He listens, then He talks and you listen?
Is your faith filled with experiences where you are amazed by His presence and blown away by His mercy?
Is your relationship with Christ an adventure in doing life together?
Mostly, is your friendship with Him something you cannot live without?
Creating moments with someone takes work, time, preparation, dedication, commitment and a willingness to explore new depths and soar to new highs.
In the same way you or I would plan something special for a spouse, kids, a friend, a sibling, or a parent, think of this exact same approach with Christ.
Share life with Him.
Do friendship with Him.
Embrace meaningful conversation with Him.
The key word is with.
See every faith-filled day as an opportunity to create special moments with Him rather than just another day filled with dutiful “things” to do.
“Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” Isaiah 43:19 (MSG)
