I loathe repeating myself because someone isn’t paying attention to me. It happens all the time at home. For instance, I instruct my children to do a specific task. In the time it took me to give the instructions, my words have seemingly gone in one ear and out the other. Especially if it’s not something they want to do. On the other hand, if I decide to reward them for good behavior and I instruct them to go get a popsicle, a piece of candy, or something similar, I never have to repeat myself. They remember those instructions without any assistance. There are even times when I find myself repeating what I’ve said in regards to how I will handle specific issues that arise. For example, like most children, my two hyper kiddos like to torture one another while out of Dad and Mom’s purview. When someone goes too far, the offended party like to come and tattle with the expectations I’ll discipline the offender. Our rule has always been, if we didn’t see it happen or proof of what has happened can’t be provided, you are innocent until proven guilty. One would assume they’d get the point after a while. Yet I always find myself repeating the same instructions almost daily.

Have you ever considered this is how God might feel; frustrated that He is forced to constantly repeat Himself because we can’t seem to get it? All throughout the Bible we find the people of God making the same mistakes repeatedly. Though the word of God is quite expansive, He never contradicts any directive He’s ever given. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. In fact, any time He repeats Himself, Christian’s should take extra notice of what is being said. It always demonstrates His passion toward that subject. In Luke chapter 15 (and I encourage you to read it in its entirety) we find three consecutive parables that reference “lost” things. In each parable something has been lost or has wandered away (sheep, a woman’s coin, the prodigal son). Each story ends with a joyous celebration when each thing has been found or has returned. This portion of scripture exemplifies the true heartbeat of God as we find it repeated throughout scripture in many differing forms. Everything God has ever done or allowed to happen is because of His love for His creation and a desire to have a personal relationship. 2 Peter 3:9 states, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” He is willing to experience suffering. He is LONGsuffering.  Even if it means the chance of having one lost soul come to know Him personally. His desire is that none should perish!

Closing remarks and encouragement: As Christian’s, we tend to take pride in the so-called work we do for the kingdom. Leading, involving ourselves in a class or ministry, or helping others are all wonderful things. But are they the preferred things God would have us do? God’s HEART is in seeking out the lost and bringing His lost sheep into the fold. We can’t become so involved with the work of the kingdom that we miss the point entirely. It’s imperative we keep the main thing the main thing.

Have a blessed week, my friends!

Photo by Luke Hodde on Unsplash