Life is filled with special events and unique experiences. A special Sunday, a special speaker, a touching encounter, an overwhelming sense of commitment. Spiritual high points give us hope and encouragement. Yet the reality of the routines of life is this: the greatest challenge of Christianity is to know God’s presence and power in the daily rhythms of life. Life goes on in normalcy–and too often, God gets lost.
Paul wrote in Romans 6 that we should yield ourselves to God. Perhaps there is a lesson in the traffic sign that says “yield.” The traffic sign says that I can keep going if I do not interfere with the traffic flow of other vehicles, but that others have first preference. So in life–God has first preference. Much of life proceeds in the same way day after day as I walk in the ways of God. But are there ways God wishes to go that are hindered by the sameness of my life?
I remember a Bible professor giving this advice. Do something every day that God wants you to do but that you would rather not do. That reminds us to live yielded lives. When life bogs down in everyday routines, the reminder may be helpful. Do something for God today that you would rather not do.
I can devote myself to the good and never get around to the best. But that is a thought for another day!