I know plenty of people who will flat out not eat leftovers simply because that food is not the full meal deal they've already had. For them leftovers are considered second-rate food and could never be as satisfying as the first course.
If no one really loves leftovers then...WHY DO WE SO OFTEN GIVE OUR GOD, OUR SPOUSES AND OUR KIDS WHAT IS LEFT OVER OF US? Don't they deserve the full meal deal from us? I'm quite certain they do.
MY KIDS DESERVE A FIRST RATE DAD - EPHESIANS 6:4
MY WIFE DESERVES A FULL MEAL DEAL HUSBAND - 1 PETER 3:7
MY GOD DESERVES MY BEST AND FIRST COURSE EVERY TIME - MATTHEW 22:37
In order to give my God, my wife and my kids my best and not my leftovers, I have to prioritize.
MY GOD IS FIRST and I should devote time each day in Prayer and reading scripture. I should also be serving others both in the church and where there is need.
MY WIFE IS SECOND and I should focus on the needs of my wife and make sure to always pursue her.
"BY THE WAY - THE DAY WE QUIT PURSING OUR SPOUSES IS THE DAY THAT SATAN WILL AND HE WILL DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO WIDEN THE GAP BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE. "
MY KIDS ARE THIRD but they are not any less important. They need me more than they need "stuff" and they need me to be their primary disciple teacher...not the church. They need me to teach them how to Go into this world and live life with Christ in the center of their lives.
BOTTOM LINE - None of them deserve my leftovers!
This might mean that in the big picture, I have to:
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Give up a few things such as hobbies, sports, games and other time wasters.
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Leave work at work and don't bring it home.
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Remember that my family is my legacy and my life with God is now and forever.
Now that I've preached to myself again, feel free to apply these thoughts to your life if they make sense to you.
Blessings,
Brian
Credit: http://witch-selena.blogspot.com
