Are You Jockeying For Postion With Each Other & Ignoring GOD?

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Today's "Must Do" list:

~I have to get the laundry done, as everyone is out of things to wear
~I must get the floors swept & mopped; what if I have unexpected company? I can't let them see the floors in this shape
~I've got to get the linens washed; it's been almost a week since the last time I did them
~I have to make that phone call today; tomorrow might be too late
~My child needs to go here or there; I've got to fit that in my schedule
~I have that meeting this afternoon that I can't be late for
~I almost forgot, I need to get that cake baked for the bake sale
~Don't forget the dog, she needs her bath
~It's time for the grocery shopping to be done, got get to it today
~Oh the bills need to be paid, I must get that done before the mail comes
~I've got to weed & water the garden and flower beds
~Dinner! Oh my, what on earth am I going to make for dinner tonight?

Ok, so this isn't my list of things to do today, but I'm sure many of out there have those crazy, full schedules & lists of things to do that "just can't wait." Right!?!

The past week has been one of those continual days where things needed to be done & I was the one that was expected to get them taken care of. Now I am not complaining, mind you. I enjoy home keeping and serving my family in the ministry of helps, but when others just "expect" things from you, it gets old real quick. Due to circumstances beyond our control, there have been some issue that have been laid in our lap that have been pulling for our attention and always presents with something that we just "need" to take care right then and there. Or so the person(s) on the demanding end are trying to require of us. If they're not demanding it from you, they try to guilt you into things.

John 8:15 "Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man."

Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

There are times that people can try and place demands on you that they think are "what you should" do or "how you need to take care of something," but ultimately they are being led by the natural man. Without giving regard to what the Holy Spirit would have you do, if you fall prey to this and submit to their "authority" instead of praying and following the prompting of the LORD, it can do more harm than good. It can also come back and bite you in the backside if your not careful. (Trust me, been there done that before!)

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Not all of these people are well intending, they are simply trying to stir the pot and put their proverbial nose where it doesn't belong in the first place. Some will even try to use another just to make themselves look good, or so they think.

Proverbs 4:19, 23-27 "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble... Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."

We not only need to guard ourselves from that which is of the world that tries to come against us, we also need to seek godly wisdom when it comes to daily matters of our lives, including that which may involve those closest to us.

Proverbs 4:5-8 "Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her."

While there are legitimate things that can be placed on our "to do" lists, the #2 thing we need to remember is not to allow others to create 0ur list for us. If that's number two, then what's number one? This one is simple...earnestly pray and seek the LORD in all that you venture to do that day and if it be HIS will to "interrupt" part of your day with HIS plans, ask that HE guide you & allow you to not grumble or complain against your time frame of getting things done. HE always has a plan & purpose that is for HIS glory. We just need to be willing to let the voice of GOD guide us instead of the voices of the world & of those around us.

But if do this, then things won't get done. You're right, they might not. But I can guarantee you that they will still be there waiting when GOD leads you in HIS time to take care of it. You may be thinking, "that's fine & dandy, but people expect things of me that will cause discord if I don't tend to it right now, when they request it." I can say from personal experienced that yes, this can happen, but ultimately who are we trying to please, man or GOD?

John 5:41-42, 44 (The Message Bible) "I'm not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?"

John 5:41-42 (Amplified) "I receive not glory from men [I crave no human honor, I look for no mortal fame], But I know you and recognize and understand that you have not the love of God in you."