The Center of Life

“What is at the center of your life?” asked author, minister, and therapist Wayne Muller.

“Carefully examine where you spend your attention, your time,” Muller advised. “Look at your appointment book, your daily schedule. This is what receives your care and attention–an by definition, your love.”

On this Lord’s Day, it’s a good time to ask and reflect on what really is the center of my life?

There are a lot of activities in which we can engage that are right within themselves but don’t belong in the center of our lives. Hunting. Fishing. Golf. And even basketball.

There are people whom we love that don’t belong in the center. Family. Friends. And business associates.

There are organizations and institutions that are important and serve a worthy purpose that doesn’t belong in the center. Colleges. Clubs. And service organizations.

Although we may spend a lot of time on the job, our profession or occupation doesn’t belong at the center either.

When the Old Testament King Asa sought to spiritually revive and restore Judah, he commanded them to “seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment” (2 Chron. 14:4). The Message renders this verse, “Center your life in God.”

To live a God-centered life doesn’t mean we must quit our jobs, move to a desert island and spend our time 24/7 reading the Bible, singing hymns, and praying. Rather, the activities, associations, and commitments we make in life are engaged in, directed by, and in accordance with God’s Word. His values. And His purpose for our lives.

In His mountain message, Jesus exhorted, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matt. 6:33).

While I don’t agree with all of his theology, Rick Warren was right when he wrote, “When God is at the center of your life, you worship, when He’s not, you worry.”

When you assemble today with other Christians, make it all about the Lord. Worship Him. Praise Him. And Honor Him.

Then leave with the resolve to put everything going on in your life in proper perspective. And decide to make the issues of life revolve around God and His purpose, plan, and promises for you.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman