2 Timothy 2:4
4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

Often at West Valley we will hear how we stink at communication, and then usually the we is clarified to say that men/husbands really stink at communicating. So in an effort to better communicate with my wife we started reading a book together (now before you go visualizing us cuddled up by the fire sipping hot cocoa as I read to her, its not like that we each have our own books, although maybe I would get more bonus points if that were true). The book is called Follow Me by David Platt, the following is a brief excerpt in response to the passage above.

" Don't most of us do the opposite? We busy ourselves with civilian (or affairs of everyday life) pursuits and occasionally jump into the battle when we feel compelled. Kingdom service is something we visit on a mission trip, day of service, or a prayer meeting. Being entangled in the civilian lifestyle has become the accepted norm. It is even applauded so long as we can point to some occasional Kingdom activity. But doesn't Scripture tell us to live differently? And wouldn't your life be more abundant if you could figure out a way to be on the battlefield every day? You may be looking at your life and assuming you have no options. Isn't a person with bills, family, and responsibilities destined to be entangled in civilian pursuits? Absolutely not. You and I were made for more.

This was very challenging for both Sarah and I, it can become very easy to justify any of our actions. I wonder if you went door to door in my neighborhood how many of my neighbors know that I love them, and know the reason why I love them?

Do yours?

-Eric House