Heart Tugs

Tomorrow. What kind of word is that to you? Sometimes, it can mean the date in which we will get something done, or PLAN to get something done (if we are a procrastinator). Tomorrow is a lot of things, but one thing that it never can be is CERTAIN.

Last Sunday, Craig preached on “tomorrow.” Just as Jesus said in Matthew 24:36-44, we won’t know the day or the hour that He will return. Therefore, we need to be prepared. It’s just like the story Craig shared about when he was in Boy Scouts. He and his friends were up at camp and the scout master had to leave for a little while. He wanted them to take care of a few tasks while he was gone so that they would be prepared for the evening later (that is, they needed firewood stocked up, provisions gathered, etc.). They thought he would be gone a good while, so they put it off until “later” and had fun swimming instead. Much to their surprise, their scout master returned earlier than expected and he was very disappointed that nothing had been done.

Not only is this story important to remember in the event of Jesus’ coming, but also for the things that we are supposed to be doing while we’re waiting. Craig said that there are undoubtedly things on our hearts that we know God wants us to do; but we haven’t done them yet. When asked the greatest commandment in Mark 12:28-34, Jesus essentially said “Love God, love others.” THAT is what we are supposed to be doing while we are waiting!! That’s what matters most and that’s what we need to be demonstrating; our love for God and our love for others. To get a good picture of what that means, refer back to the sermon Chad preached on love; the one I entitled “Getting Off Your Donkey.” It’s one of my favorite sermons and one that I always think of when pondering how to best love and serve others.

What it all boils down to is that God’s business is our business. In fact, Jesus said the same thing about Himself many different times (John 4:34, 5:30, 6:38, 7:16, 12:49). He always talked about doing His Father’s will and speaking the words that God the Father had Him speak. We need to be like-minded; concerned about God’s Kingdom and not our own. Can you imagine how much the world would change if we were all focused on that?

So, what sorts of things has God been nudging your heart to do? What words has He been wanting you to speak? What things has He been urging you to do? Craig said that for one, he needed to make a point of calling his Mom every week and that he also needed to visit some people who haven’t been to church in a while. We don’t know how long we have before our unfinished business remains that way forever. Time is precious! We must utilize all we have and make the most of it!! Do whatever it is that’s been tugging on your heart; call or visit that friend, forgive that person who wronged you, finally give your heart to Jesus, etc. It’s different for all of us, but the urgency is the same. Putting things off will cheat yourself, and others, out of a blessing! Don’t put off the good that you ought to do (Proverbs 3:27, James 4:17). Listen to those “heart tugs” from God!

Grace and peace to all of you!! Have a blessed weekend!!