Jonah: Navigating a God-centered Life

by Colin S. Smith

The more comfortable you are, the harder it will be. I love the work God has given me to do and so I find it really hard to keep my heart in a place where I can honestly say to the Lord, “If there’s something else you want me to do, I’m willing to do it.” But without that spirit, a job, a home or even a ministry can easily become an idol. When God interrupts your life, He breaks the idol. Nothing that He gives you in this world is yours forever. Your entire life is “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). The home that you live in is yours for a time. The work that you do is yours for a time. The people you love are yours for a time. One day, others will live in your home, and others will continue your work. One day, others will have your money and your possessions; the opportunities now entrusted to you will be given to them. Loving my work as I do, it’s good for me to remember that, one day, someone else will sit in ‘my’ office. Their books will be on ‘my’ shelves, and their stamp will be on the ministry that is so precious to me. I need to hold what God has given lightly. It will not be forever. The person who learns to number his or her days gains a heart of wisdom (Ps. 90:12).

Idol