Just a quick note about this new series. The addressees in the “letters” do exist in real life. However, their names have been changed for privacy reasons. Also, certain dynamics of the situations that I address in certain “letters” have also been changed to protect their identities and reputations.
It’s my hope and prayer that, as you read each “letter” in this 10 part series, you’ll gain some blessing and encouragement from each “letter”, and that the Holy Spirit will speak to your heart as you read. Thank you and God bless!
Dear Jackson,
I’m so blessed to have you as a friend! What a wonderful blessing God has given me to know you in my life!
But Jackson, there’s something I desire to write to you about. It’s something that I understand you’ve been struggling with for awhile, and I want to share with you some counsel and warning that I’ve prayerfully decided to share with you concerning this issue.
Jackson, there have been many times when we would go on walks together and talk, you would complain about how “dead cold” your devotional life is currently.
I understand how busy you are with your job as a college admissions representative and playing baseball for the local team. I understand that these things keep your schedule “so packed” you can never take time to do devotions.
I understand how important your job is and how important your role is on the local baseball team.
I get that, Jackson! Believe me, I really do!
I honestly admire how committed you are to your work and to the baseball team! I admire your strong work ethic and your firm loyalty as the team’s shortstop.
But Jackson, there’s another commitment and loyalty you must be more deeply anchored in than any job or baseball team.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says:
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
(Matthew 6:33)
And God also says something similar in 1 Samuel:
But now the Lord says: ‘Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.
(1 Samuel 2:30)
Jackson, when you honor God first and seek Him first in your life, God will honor you and add blessings to your life.
Yet, you may be thinking right now, Jackson–
“But I don’t have time!”
But Jackson, you say you have no time to do devotions–but you seem to have plenty of time to practice baseball.
When you’re all done with work, work assignments, answering emails, and everything else related to your job, what do you do?
Spend the rest of the day practicing and playing baseball.
Not that this is a totally bad thing. I’m not saying baseball in and of itself is sinful.
However, please keep in mind the words Christ said in Matthew 6, the very same chapter where the verse about seeking God’s kingdom first is found:
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(Matthew 6:19-21)
My dear friend, Jackson, I am writing this to you not to condemn you. Rather, I’m writing this to you because I care about your salvation. I desire to warn you about the road you’re choosing to take in your spiritual life right now.
Jackson, setting your heart and affections on the things of this world like baseball and building a career will never be worth it in the end.
There’s a statement I wanna share with you from a Christian author. He isn’t Adventist, but his statement is pretty deep:
“If you share the desires of the world, you will pass away. You will not only lose your treasure. You will lose your life. If you love the world, it will pass away and take you with it.”
–John piper
I’m serious, Jackson. I can sense that in the conversations we have, your eyes are fixed on the world and all the glittering fame it offers. I can honestly tell you desire to build a name for yourself in this world.
But that’s not what Jesus has called us to do, Jackson.
What Jesus has called us to do is simply found in Matthew 11:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
(Matthew 11:28-29)
This is Christ’s call to you right now, Jackson. He wants you to come to Him just as you are, and to learn from Him each day.
You can come to Jesus right now, Jackson!
Right after you’re done reading this letter, you may claim this beautiful promise in Psalms:
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
(Psalm 62:8)
I wanna encourage you to come to Jesus, pour out your struggles to Him, and make Him your refuge and your rest.
After all, Christ Himself said in John 15:
…….for without Me you can do nothing.
(John 15:5)
Dear Jackson, you need Jesus and His strength to help you get your devotional life back on the right track.
I can’t help you.
The pastor can’t help you.
No amount of strength on your part can ever help you.
Only JESUS can help you fix your “cold dead” devotional life.
So go to Him, my friend. Jesus is more than happy to help you spend more time with Him.
You and your family are in my prayers, always.
Your Friend,
Aleah R.
Blogger & Digital Missionary