Friday Fight 86 - Keeping Track or On Track?

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help me fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF86.

As we embrace this season of thankfulness and move to celebrate the birth of Christ, we may find ourselves keeping close track of the wrong things. For example, are we serving others, or are we not able to do as much as we'd like? We may be keeping close track of our assets or gift-giving, but ultimately, are we keeping track of what we do for others or, instead, what they do for us?

Keeping Track or On Track?

How often are we excited to serve others, bringing joy to our hearts? We volunteer at church, attend bible Study, and feel confident checking off our spiritual boxes because of our love for our Lord and Savior. But what happens when our mindset shifts to viewing our service to others in some spiritual measurement? In those moments, we must ask ourselves if we are keeping track of how we serve others and if we are aware of the reasoning behind it.

For this lesson, imagine there are two railroad tracks, one is God's will and service to Him through helping others, and another that recollects what we perceive others are taking from us. The scenery of one path displays all the ways God blesses us, and the other reflects how others are blessed through us. So why do these paths reveal opposing scenery? We cannot be on both tracks simultaneously; they bring our mindsets in different directions. Mindset is the context in which we think and the attitude that follows. 

The more we focus on God, the more we are open to walking in His will, regardless of the scenery. But, we do not serve others or help those less fortunate to receive praise or recognition. The only true power or ability we hold without God is the ability to destroy ourselves and those around us. As Christians, we are called to honor and obey our Heavenly Father. When our focus shifts from what God is doing to what God is doing through us, we must constantly remind ourselves that we can accomplish nothing without Him. 

Some may feel that during this season, we should keep close track of our assets, maybe even cutting back on tithing. We may believe that keeping track is an avenue that positions us to remain financially ahead, but it is not so and comes at a high cost. Keeping a score like this can divide relationships and hearts while positioning us where the track ahead has portions missing that aren't obvious. We cannot keep track of what never belonged to us in the first place.

Satan lies to manipulate us into keeping track of everything. Imagine constantly recognizing or keeping a tally of what we do versus what others do for us. Exposing ourselves to this progression will lead us to track life changing gifts like forgiveness to keep us bitter or monitor how others sin to cause rejection and isolation.

Let's remember the reason behind the season. We were graciously given the gift of Jesus without owing anything in return. He came to save, help, and rely on in our times of need. In that spirit, join me in reflecting on what track we may currently be on and the changes we need to make to ensure we follow God's will and purpose.

Pastor Shannon

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