Seed Time – Part III

WENT vs. SENT

…”There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

…”I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil – this is the gift of God.”… Ecclesiastes 3:12 – 13

Is what you’re doing a “went” or a “sent”?

A “went” is something that God didn’t send us to, we just went to it. God didn’t tell us to sing on three choirs, serve on the usher board and serve on the Pastor’s Council in addition to working our full-time job and taking care of our family. We did it because someone asked us to or it seemed like the right thing to do or, and this is my favorite, if we didn’t do it who would? Maybe the person who’s supposes to do it if you and I weren’t blocking the way by being in their position.

A “sent” is something that God sent you to do. He sent you to your idea/seed. He sent you to all the background work you need to do to plant and nourish the idea/seed he gave you. He sent you to put your time, effort and energy into overseeing your idea/seed.

But if you’ve loaded down your plate with “wents” then you won’t have time for the “sents.”

Do you really need to keep up with all those TV shows? Can your son or daughter really not find anyone else to help them watch their children? Can your church nomination committee really not find someone else to fill some of the positions you hold?

This is an excerpt from my book, It’s Still Relative, the Word of God for Today’s World

How often do we start down the road the Lord has designated for us only to be distracted by other people asking us to do things that aren’t in-line with what God has asked or told us to do? In fact, what the people are asking us to do is going to take us off target of what God has asked/told us to do. If what people are asking you to do isn’t going to enhance, encourage or help engage you in what the Lord has asked you to do, the answer has to be no. – page 92

The next time someone tries to encroach on your time try this, “No, I’m sorry, that’s not on my agenda.” “No, I have something I need to do and I can’t watch the kids.” “No, I already serve on enough ministries in the church; I don’t need to add anything else.” “Thank you so much for the compliment, but I won’t join your choir.”

Do your children really have to play on every sports team in the city? Why don’t you ask them which sport they enjoy the most and see what they say? You may be surprised with their answer. They may be aching to give up a sport or two just to have some down time.

When we begin to treat our time like its important some people will applaud your effort and support you, but the vast majority of folks will talk about you, complain about you, they may even accuse you of being selfish or stuck up. GET OVER IT! They are going to have something to say no matter what you do or don’t do.

Shouldn’t you be more concerned about the One that is one day going to say, …”Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Or, He may say, “Depart from me…”

…”Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

Blessings and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
First Lady Anita