Intentional, but not crazy, about maintaining our focus (12/21/10)

It is easy to lose sight of the fact that we are called to lead people to redemption and not lead culture to redemption.  I am appalled at what I see on tv and movies as even commercials have inappropriate words and the content of almost every program points away from what I believe God intended the world to be.  I have come to the realization, however, that changing the flood of culture may be a lost cause (perhaps that's blasphemy, I'm open to that).  As I read the Bible it seems that one day evil is going to overrun the earth before the Lord redeems His followers and eventually reclaims creation, so if these are the last days, then perhaps that is what I am seeing take place.

I do know that it is easier to rail against "culture" and "society" than it is to share the gospel with an individual or lead a family devotion, and that that is where we are really losing the battle if it is being lost.

I am reminded of all of this as I see the all out blitz of holiday adds painting the vivid picture of "the holiday season" as a time to give and receive gifts.  Giving and receiving gifts is a wonderful tradition, but we have to guard against the forces of culture influencing our thinking and making Christmas only about that.  It is elementary, but how much time and energy do we spend on shopping verses how much we spend on worshipping and remembering Jesus.  That is not to say that it is all about a math formula which condemns you if it there are 10 parts shopping to 1 part worship, but it is a question of our hearts.  What percentage of our hearts are consumed by the various forces pulling at them?

Please find time this week to read the Christmas story with your family, and to mention Jesus as often as possible in the midst of everything that you are doing.

Also, please be sure to post something on Twitter or Facebook for Share the Bible day.  This is a campaign sponsored by youversion.com which offers free Bible apps for every mobile device, and will help us point people to the Bible on Christmas Day.  Click here for more information http://www.youversion.com/share-the-bible/