Consumed

 ^"So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of [our great] God" (1 Cor. 10:31, Amp).

As I was listening to praise and worship music on an internet radio provider, I was annoyed by a certain commercial that kept interrupting over and over. It was an advertisement for consumers for "free" phones for the upcoming holidays. It was urging people to get newer, bigger, and better phones. It was featuring a particular phone that had an amazing camera on it that would enhance "selfies". Well that just enhances the focus on self and fuels the already dangerous obsession with phones that runs rampant these days. Phones have become idols and consume everyone young and old alike. I observe people focused and engaged in their phones reading, listening, or watching it constantly. I, myself, have been guilty and convicted of this obsessive focus. I was reminded of a scripture: "Everything is permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything [and brought under its power, allowing it to control me]" (I Cor.6:12, Amp).

As soon as the commercial was over, a beautiful song "Consumed" by Jeremy Camp played. As I listened to the words it got me to thinking about what we are truly consumed with. I felt a tear roll down my cheek, and felt convicted to share with you. The chorus of this song says,

"I don't wanna be consumed by anything else in this world but You Lord, only You Lord,

so take all I have my heart in surrender be all that overwhelms me forever, forever I wanna be consumed only by You, only by You - consumed only by You."

So I ask you, what consumes your attention, your focus, your time? What our God must think when He looks down at His people walking around consumed with their phones glued to their hands!

We must be willing to lay down anything that takes our focus away from God. (Heb. 12:1-2)

May we be focused on being consumed with pursuing God! Let's go all in, put down your phone and focus on what God has for your life! Look up and not down at what's in the palm of your hand.

“Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" (Matt.6:19, Amp).

Father, God. Please forgive our lack of focus and the obsessions we have allowed to become idols in our lives. May we be strong in Christ and resist the enemy and anything he may use to take our focus away from You, Lord. Strengthen our awareness of what is important to focus on. We love and honor You, Father God. In Christ, Amen.