Hello Everyone, This is Chaplain Sung Kim. I am Deputy CMD CH in the 63d Readiness Division. I pray you are well.
Os Guinness addresses this problem in his book, The Call, saying, “Out of more than a score of great civilizations in human history, modern Western civilization is the very first to have no agreed-on answer to the question of the purpose of life. Thus more ignorance, confusion-and longing-surround this topic now than at almost any time in history. The trouble is that, as modern people, we have too much to live with and too little to live for. Some feel they have time but not enough money; others feel they have money but not enough time. But for most of us, in the midst of material plenty, we have spiritual poverty.”
You know, I really struggle with this in my own life. It is such a battle for me to keep my priorities balanced. There are so many things I could be doing, so many things I should be doing, and so many things I want to do that I often over-commit myself, leaving me to wonder if I’ve been effective in any area of my life. I am guilty of allowing my moments with God to be less intimate and sincere than they could be because of the business I’m conducting in my head.
Spiritual poverty is perhaps one of the greatest epidemics facing the religion. You’re trying to balance a million and one commitments and the inner life of your heart is starving to be fed, longing for a deep, refreshing gulp of living water. You’ve traded-off authenticity for busyness.
Harry Lloyd says, “Success is only another form of failure if we forget what our priorities should be.” If we want to live authentic lives of priority and purpose we must make a choice, or perhaps many choices. We must choose the things that we are absolutely unwilling to negotiate away in favor of other commitments. What are your non-negotiable priorities? What things are so vital to your life that you refuse to compromise them away, no matter the cost?
Living a life of purpose starts with having balanced priorities. We cannot expect our lives to work if we are focusing all of our energy and attention on things that don’t really matter in the end. As we journey into this New Year, with all of its unknowns, let’s make sure we set our focus clearly on the things that matter most. Let’s covenant together to grow in your faith. Let’s covenant to make our families a priority and to take our role in the healthy life of our family seriously. Let’s covenant to build great friendships and relationships that sharpen and grow us into the happy life. Let’s set some priorities and lovingly hold each other accountable to living lives of priority and purpose in 2021.
"Do not love the world, or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world" (1Jn 2:15-16).
Today’s Prayer: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26
Have a blessed day! Blood and Fire!
Here is the direct email and phone number for anyone requesting support From
the 63d RD Chaplain office,
usarmy.usarc.63-rsc.list.chaplain-all-users@mail.mil
650-526-9668