The Pile
We all have a pile. You know, things that were once an integral part of our lives. Things that seemed to define who we were or who we wanted to be. The pile is made up of things that used to be hobbies, interests, passions. We had goals related to them and dedicated a great deal of time to them. But now they are just things we used to do. A few examples of things on the pile might include exercise/sports equipment, musical instruments, arts and crafts, outdoors equipment, books, gardening tools, woodworking tools, etc.
Sometimes, there are people on our pile. People that we couldn’t have imagined not being a part of our lives. People we opened up to, relied on, trusted, spent time with, shared our dreams, fears, secrets and frustrations with. We shared our lives with them. But now they are just someone we used to know. A few examples of people on the pile might include schoolmates, best friends, coworkers, business partners, teammates, relatives, etc.
Followers of Jesus have a pile. We put the things in our lives that dishonor our Lord on the pile. Over time, as we grow closer to Him and fill our lives with Godly things, our pile gets bigger and bigger. But we should never put people on the pile. We don’t judge; but sometimes we have to protect ourselves and/or our family and friends. So even if we have to separate ourselves from someone who can’t accept our faith in Christ and try to pull us into a life of habitual sin, we love them and pray for them. Then, if God provides the opportunity, we stay prepared to share the truth with them – we long to become brothers and sisters in Christ with them.
I have a question for those of you who have surrendered your life to Christ. Is your Bible on your pile? So about your prayer time, church attendance, evangelism, Christian fellowship, family devotions, service, giving, etc.? Have you abandoned your faith or your assurance of salvation in Christ? Are you forsaking precious parts of your walk with Christ that used to define who you are in Christ?
May it never be said of us:
- 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
Stand in His strength, in His truth, in His love.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
- Colossians 1:21-23 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
- Hebrews 10:23-24 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
- 2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Examine your pile.
Reclaim those things
that keep you close to Christ and obedient to Him.
Cling to the things in your life
that and bring honor and glory to Jesus.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, I ask You to help me and all Your children to endure in our faith. Give us the strength to stand strong in Christ. Give us the wisdom to discern what should be left on our pile. Embolden us to reclaim anything we have foolishly left there. I praise You for Your patience and forgiveness. Amen.
