Wesley Challenge_Day 12

Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?

THURSDAY — 01.14.21 · 1 Timothy 6:7-9
The underlying principle behind this question of Wesley’s is simply: Who or what owns us? What consumes us? Who or what do we allow to control our life? When we are a slave to something or someone, it clearly means that we take our direction from a controlling person or object that is not God. We are called toward a healthy, balanced life of serving the Kingdom virtues we see in the life of Christ.
⇒ What controls your life? Be honest with yourself. What is the focus of most of your thoughts? What preoccupies you? How much time, effort and focus would be available for your participation in the mission of God if this factor did NOT preoccupy your life? Ask your spouse or a trusted friend to alert you when they notice you “feeding” this preoccupation in a way that limits your ability to allow God to control your life.
⇒ One of the best ways to control or curb your enthusiasm for things in your life that consume you other than God’s mission is to consistently serve others. Find a place to serve regularly, to help rebalance the priorities in your life. (Looking for ideas? Visit with Pastor Lane or Pastor Deirdre to help discern where you could be of service.) Don’t put it off, and don’t wait for the ideal service situation to present itself. Try out a variety of service opportunities to find the place that captures your attention and focus.

Prayer: God, help me resist the desire to collect things I do not need, to resist the temptation to allow my impulses and obsessions to direct my decision-making. Help me to give you all I am and have. Amen.