The Greatest Thing
Scripture Reading — Psalm 27
One thing I ask from the Lord . . . that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. . .
My friend Ron died in a car accident, but it’s not clear how the accident happened. Maybe the car’s accelerator was stuck. Maybe Ron had a stroke or a heart attack and couldn’t control the car.
In any case, it must settle upon us that sanctification is the most important process in life. Giving your life to God, seeking God and his purposes, and offering yourself in worship and obedience to God, just as in Psalm 27—well, this is urgent. There is nothing more powerful and majestic and essential than becoming a Christian—and getting better at living it (with God’s help) from the inside out.
This is not a fear thing. You may have heard preachers say, “Turn, or burn! Believe in Jesus, or you will go to hell.” Well, I believe in hell, but the main reason to believe in Jesus is that he loves us so much that he made it possible for us to have full life with him forever.
Believing in Jesus is a desire thing. It involves the desire to know God and to get your hands into whatever he’s doing (Philippians 1:9-11). All of our conversations and the stuff we did in our little church community—like trying to help Dwayne and lots of other lost and needy people—these are the things of Christ, and they are eternal.
Do you have something like that going in your life? Devote your life to Christ. There is no greater thing.
Right now, Lord, redirect me. Take me into your kingdom. This is the hunger of my soul. Hear me, please. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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