Got a Need for Speed?

I've got a friend who is a speed-addict! I mean, he's got this need for speed that is off the charts -- at least when compared to anyone else I know! All week long he flies a private jet around the country -- hauling execs where ever they need to go. What's a lear jet do, maybe 600 mph? Then for personal recreation, he rides a crotch rocket! His personal admission proves his addiction. He has taken that flimsy piece of machinery -- up to speeds of 170 mph. Blows my mind. I've never ridden with him in his truck, but I don't believe I want to. You blame me?

In a lot of ways, we've all got a "need for speed." We're in a constant rush -- no time for family, no time for friends and sadly, often we've no time for God. I've asked myself the question so many times -- "What's the big rush?" In the words of the country artist, You gotta stop and smell the roses. In the words of so many instructors -- You've got to prioritize your life! Pinpoint the non-negotiables in your life. Build a fortress around them. Don't allow the screams and the cries of the urgent to rob you of the most important and necessary things in your life.

I think we'd all agree that our communion with Christ must be on a plane above the fray. Neglect in this arena means the undoing of everything else that matters. Our relationship with God is the glue that makes life joyful and worthwhile. Without that, family relationships struggle -- friendships disintegrate. Ultimately we become unraveled!

Here's a question for us all. What are the absolute most important things in life and what are we doing to protect them? Paul instructs us in Romans 12:2 "...don't let the world squeeze you into it's mold!" (Phillips). Put the brakes on and nail down a time and place for daily communion with the Lord!

You've Got to "Keep it!"

Relationships are tricky, aren't they? I mean, as long as you are "dis-connected" there can never be any assaults against a relationship that simply doesn't' exist. But the moment you begin to make real and valid connections -- the moment a relationship has begun, there are a myriad of attempts to destroy the ties. Many come from outside influences -- some from circumstances beyond our control, still others come from simple misunderstandings that could have easily been avoided. But perhaps the biggest deterrent to strong and lasting relationships is the deadly poison of complacency.

For a relationship to remain strong and viable, we must be intentional. A one-time encounter will never be sufficient to forever secure a lasting, fruitful friendship. No matter how great the original attraction -- whatever might have first initiated the bond, be assured of this; a complacent attitude will be the undoing of any relationship.

Friendships cannot thrive where complacency exists. In a marriage, in a group or fraternity of any kind, a haphazard response to a friend will mean the death of the relationship.

The obvious truth is before us. Our ongoing fruitful relationship with Jesus Christ necessitates -- demands that there be more than a one time encounter -- more than a momentary "feel-good" experience with God. We cannot be "bump and run" Christians if we anticipate a deep and abiding -- in tact connection with the Lord.

Back burner relationships always grow cold and stale. What relationships in your life need attention today? If you want to keep it -- you've got to "Keep" it! You've got to tend it, nourish it, give great attention to it! Now that you've been reminded -- go do it!