The Most High

We live in a world today where everyone wants what they want now! So we have instant coffee, instant potatoes, instant oatmeal and the list goes on. Brewing coffee takes time but it’s well worth the wait if you are a coffee drinker. The aroma of coffee fills the atmosphere as the coffee maker prepares the beverage. Even if you are not a coffee drinker, you are tempted to pour yourself a cup. Yes, instant coffee is quick but there is something amazing about the aroma of fresh brewed coffee.

Mankind has designed a system of living where there is no time for anything. Things people took for granted like conversation with the family has become a lost art. Both parents and children are too engaged with their electronic gadgets that there is no time for family interaction. I’m always amazed to see little ones out in public with their Ipad or Kindle. They have become the electronic babysitter as parents attend to the activities of their day. Lost in all of this, is the realization that their children need their time not the gadgets.

Sad to say, as people of faith, we are the same way.  We have become so engrossed with all the gadgets of modern day living, we have very little time for God. We come to His house and it’s not uncommon to see people interacting with their phones during the service time. Not every interaction is social media. Our lives are controlled by the apps on our phones. There are apps for mobile banking, home security, email and a host of other things. Even a phone on vibrate can be a distraction in the service.

So how do we balance reverence for God with our need to keep connected? We have to put God first. Exodus 20:3 says, “You must not have any other god but me.” What does that mean in terms of our modern society? Well our lifestyle should not dictate how we respond to God. In Psalm 83, A Psalm of Asaph, he talks about a time of difficulty when they faced their enemy. These enemies came together with one purpose. They wanted to remove then nation of Israel from the earth.  Asaph asked God to intervene with one purpose in mind. Verse 18 says, “Then they will learn that you alone are called the Lord, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth.”

Asaph wanted these enemies to know that God is the Most High. When we think about God as the Most High, it should bring change into our lives. We show respect and honor to those in high positions. But what should we do to show respect and honor to the Most High? When you walk into the courts of man, they tell you in advance what is expected of you. If you go into court and disobey their directives, there will be consequences.

We need to do better when we come into the presence of God. I have a phone so I know how distracting it could be if I allow it. And I must admit, sometimes I allow it to distract me. But when I consider who God is, He is the Most High, then I know that I must do better. So what are some things we can do as people of faith to honor God in our lives?

Well we need to remove all distractions when we engage with God. Is it that simple? Yes it’s that simple. Everyone has to come up with an individual plan. Well in my life, I have set some time for prayer in my day. Sometimes I pray alone, other times I pray with a group. Group time is easy. Those who call and interact with me know my group prayer time. The personal time is more challenging. Now if I’m on the phone with you and it’s my personal prayer time, I either end the call or say it’s my time of prayer, let’s pray. My plan may or may not work for you.

The objective is to spend quality time in the presence of God. Not the kind of time you feel like giving in the manner you choose. Spend time with God that communicates to God that He is the Most High God in your life.