I am feeling a bit antsy of late because there have been quite a lot of things going on in the world as well as, in my family. During my my sweet quiet time with the Lord, I stumbled upon a hymn by William Merrill. One of the lines of this old hymn is the challenge to get rid of “lesser things”. It stopped me in my tracks and caused me to seek God, ponder, and listen. What lesser things was I pursuing and how could I get rid of them?
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless, I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. Psalm101:3
Life is wondrously filled with so many good things! You can spend your time working from daybreak until dusk in ministries that help and protect the least in this world. These are surely even excellent things! Yet, could be that some of those good things could end up being “lesser things” if God has not called you to them?
My time with God revealed a few lesser things that I am spending my time on…my phone, binge-watching Gardeners World on Amazon Prime, ahem, binge-watching in general.
Rise up, you saints of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of Kings.
-William Merrill
Let’s simplify things a bit. If you have faith and found salvation in and through Jesus Christ, then you are called to be in a relationship with Him. God created you and values you, are you caring for His creation (yourself)? If you have been blessed with a husband then you have a calling to help him. If you have been blessed with children then you have been called to raise dedicated disciples of Christ. We can eliminate a plethora of “lesser things” if they fall outside of these four areas. Are you spending time with God every day, taking care of your mind, body, and spirit? How about helping your husband and raising your children to love God? If these things are not going well, just stop and focus on these areas of your life. These are the basics. Don’t even consider adding other “lesser things” if you are struggling in these areas.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that you can’t have ministries/relationships/fun outside of your work as wife and mother because I am not. What I am saying is that deep peace and satisfaction are not found in “lesser things”. There is a simplicity, and joy that comes from pursuing the godly basics in life. Dare, I even say peace.
In our stressed-out lifestyles, isn’t that what we are all searching for? The peace that passes all understanding?
How To Get Rid Of Lesser Things
- Pray and seek God. Listen. Ask God if you are participating in “lesser things” or “worthless things”.
- Slow down and notice the things and people around you.
- Ask yourself how you are feeling. Are you overwhelmed, weak, tired, or listless?
- Spend some time in prayer asking God to show you the root of why you participate in each one of your activities. Make a list of what God shows you. You may even want to take the Meyers-Briggs test or the Enneagram to gain a better understanding of how God made you.
- Limit digital and engage in real moments.
- Pick one element of Christ-Centered Slow Living to explore.
- Talk with your husband, communicate, and ask him what he thinks about the issue. What activities does he perceive as lesser things?
- Be patient with yourself, God is.
We all have needs. As women we can easily brush aside our own needs, therefore, let me clearly state this is not what God wants, and neither do I. Wants are another thing altogether. The goal is not to deprive you but rather to nourish your being and soul with the things that God has called you to. Giving you the freedom to get rid of the clutter and stress of all the rest. I’m so thankful that we love and serve a God that is active in our lives!
Praying for all of you as we pursue Christ-Centered Slow Living together!
Your Turn…
What are some of the “lesser things” you are participating in?
Blessings,
