28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)
Men, the time is NOW! ... yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. Do not waste you day. I am not talking about spending more time working. No, not at all, rather spend more time with God and making a difference in His kingdom. We as men need to STOP playing around with our lives. Instead of being the men we are called to be, we have settled for a life that is enslaved to work, money, power, addictions, fear, routine, depression, or whatever it is that is driving us.
We are called to be more than what we have been. We are called to stop worrying about the things of this world so much and to emphasize the things of God's and His kingdom. Funny how things as simple and easy as a high quality men's conference coming to town can show us the complacency. Really it is true. We have some guys that have stepped up to the plate, but so many more that are still on the fence.
Sure there are excuses, "I have to work", "I am busy", "I will be away". some of them are even reasonable. Yet I know guys who will take time off work to go to a game or take a trip that has way less value to add to their lives than this conference does. I know a lot of guys who will clear their busy schedule to hang out with their hunting buddies and to play on a team. I know plenty of guys who have adjusted trips to make sure they did not miss their favorite activities.
The harsh reality is that these men do not realize that they have the opportunity to make a difference. The need to get passionate about their faith and begin to sacrifice to make a difference today! Work and trips will come and go but opportunities to see God work in your own life and to help you make a difference in the lives of others seems to be not so common for most men.
I know that sometimes you just can't change your schedule, sometimes you cannot get time off, sometimes the trips cannot change. But sometimes we choose to take the easy road. It is a sad day when that happens. As Men we know we need to have God make a difference in our lives today. It won't happen if you always run from it.
So, Men, start living for today! Free your lifestyle up so that you can make a difference. Make the choices for tomorrow that make a difference so that when that day is your new "today" you can use it to the fullest as well. We seem to be great at planning careers, trips, finances etc... but not so good at planning spiritual growth.
Men! Press on!
Preacherman
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