What is your favorite substitute?

I was reading a blog on blogging and it was flagging the fact that many bloggers get trapped in activities that might help them, but typically serve as mostly distraction.  For instance, they might habitually check stats or obsess on the design of their blog.  Those aren’t bad activities, but the heart beat of blogging is actually creating valuable content.  I find that I sometimes do the same thing with my faith.  For example, I recall in seminary one time going to the bookstore and browsing what I refer to as the “Christian self-help section.” (what an oxymoron)  Anyways, I am browsing books on prayer when I realize that I had shelves of these.  I didn’t need another book telling what I needed to do.  I just need to pray.  So I did and it was wonderful.

What about you?  Are there activities that you use to make yourself feel good about “doing something” to enhance you faith when the reality is you are avoiding something far more basic and productive like, prayer, study, worship or service.  Do you perpetually read about prayer, but don’t pray.  Do read books about the Bible or sit in on classes about the Bible, but never actually crack the cover of yours?   Do you talk more about God or to God?  Do you bounce around on the internet reading blogs about God, discipleship, and the church but never really applying much from it?  Are you really learning or are you avoiding face-to-face time with God?  If you are, then stop.  Stop reading this.  Stop viewing cool inspirational videos.  Stop roaming through the Christian bookstores and either go get into some direct time with God or go do something you believe God has been wanting you to do for a while.

Blessings to you as you take those steps that will bear the most fruit in your walk of discipleship.

2 thoughts on “What is your favorite substitute?”

  1. It always seems that I run out of time for the Lord–It really is just me not making Him a priority in my Life

    By His grace I hope to do so

  2. Two years ago during Lent I committed to praying an hour a day. I had an epiphany one day as I was journaling. I started to write, “If I am going to do this it’s going to have to be a priority.” I caught myself and instead wrote, “If I am going to do this it’s going to have to be the priority.” Isn’t that the truth though of the Christian walk in general. It’s not just about our faithfulness being a priority among many. It must be the priority above all other priorities. It’s very humbling when we aren’t left with any fingers to point accept at ourselves for not having time. Steve, thank you for commenting.

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