Channeling The Energy!

[05/10/2007 “teEn-MAIL”]

CHANNELING THE ENGERGY!

A week ago as I was walking, an individual I frequently meet asked me if I was one of those people who didn’t mow their lawn. I responded that I do as we both continued our separate directions. However, as I encountered him again this week and I slowed for a little more conversation, it became clear what he had meant by his question. This time he asked me if I was going to mow my lawn and I responded that I was planning on doing so when I got home from my walk. He stated that he had kids who did what I did (get out regularly to exercise), but they didn’t help out with mowing the grass. I remarked he needed to help them channel the energy into something USEFUL!

Someone has expressed, “Ever notice how quickly kids learn to drive a car, yet cannot understand the lawn mower, snow blower, or vacuum cleaner?” [source: calendar quote] It is possible to expend a lot of energy in things that vary greatly in benefit they provide. Physical exercise is good for the body and the mind. Even Paul acknowledge physical exercise has some value though he did point to the benefit of godliness for all things. ( 1 Timothy 4:8) When we consider the energy we expend doing various things, are we channeling some of it into the things of GREATEST VALUE? How much energy is being utilized for helping others and in serving the purposes of God?

In his letter to the church at Colossae Paul wrote…
“(28) Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. (29) FOR THIS I TOIL, STRUGGLING WITH ALL HIS ENERGY THAT HE POWERFULLY WORKS WITHIN ME.” ( Colossians 1:28-29 ESV)

Looking at the life of Paul we see an energized person. However, it was not just His energy, but the power of God He had tapped into. As he focused on his ministry in Christ he was very much willing to spend and be spent ( 2 Corinthians 12:15) on behalf of others. Sometimes the challenge with children is to help channel the seemingly endless energy they possess. As children of God may we be mindful of our energy being channeled in USEFUL and God glorifying ways.

Have a great day LIVING USEFUL TO THE LORD!
Carl

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