So Busy Being a Good Person

For Monday, October 3

So Busy Being a Good Person

Jeremiah 1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20 (click to read)

(Jeremiah 2) 8 The priests who teach my laws don't care to know me.

In this initial indictment against Judah, Jeremiah makes this statement. The priests "don't care to know me." Wow - this seems so hard and cold. But I can say that it is very possible to be in religious leadership and not care to know Christ. I'm not saying anything about anyone but me - I just know how doing the "job" can come down to some rules, some measures of success, and keeping one's image up. I just listened again to a talk from the Leadership Summit of 2008: Craig Groeschell on "IT". One thing he said - he discovered he was so busy being a pastor that he was not focused on being a disciple of Christ. This - of course - in not just for leader types. Many people can be so busy being a "good person", fulfilling their duty, striving for good goals, etc., that they lose focus on being a follower of Christ. And, of course, in order to follow well, I must "care to know Him." So Jeremiah's critique of the leadership of his day is a clear possibility and warning for all of us believers today.

Lord Jesus - I want my life and my impact to clearly reflect You and Your Will. I want to fulfill my duties, live a good, impactful life and live out righteousness. But I know I need time and focus on knowing You. Thank You for Your Spirit - who will help me to know You better every day.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)