Thought Priority

A few days ago, I was reading the first letter in the Screwtape Letters to my junior high students. C.S. Lewis explains things so clearly and still inspires (and requires) thinking. What a wonderful combination for junior high students! If you haven't read it, it is a book made up of letters to Wormwood from his uncle, Screwtape. The letters are advice--from one demon to another--about keeping humans away from the "Enemy." Of course, for us, the book brings to light what we let distract us from God.

There is part where Screwtape describes to Wormwood how he successfully kept a man from thinking deep, logical thoughts which would have led him to God by planting in his mind thoughts about lunch. Screwtape advises Wormwood to keep his "patient" thinking about the "ordinary."

So, I examined my thoughts. Whether I have been persuaded by demons or not, I don't know. But, I have been thinking rather ordinary thoughts. I have been obsessed with finding natural ways to cure acne, making natural shampoos and soaps, keeping the house clean, starting and sticking to a exercise routine, what to make for supper this week, etc. My thoughts and time so easily are taken up with all the things I should do that I thank and seek God less and less often. A case of the "shoulds" inevitably leads to worry and stress.

The day after reading C.S. Lewis to my Bible class and evaluating how caught up I get in my ordinary thoughts, we started a new unit in Bible. It is about priorities. Yep, God was making it very clear.

I won't beat you over the head with the message. Here's the central verse:

Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

I am sure if you've been a Christian for even a short while, God has brought this verse to your attention before. I've certainly worked on this in my life before now, but I needed a reminder, do you?

Seeking Him,

Jordon