John the Baptist

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-6

The message of John the Baptist is just as important today as it was so many years ago. He knew his purpose was to prepare the people for the coming Messiah, and he took this God-given task seriously. John’s message is what we should all be focused on today: repenting of our sins, accepting God’s mercy, and striving to live a more virtuous life each day. It sounds simple but in a fast-moving world, it is anything but.

In fact, John’s message may be even more important today as our lives have only gotten busier. Many are trying to juggle family, work, and multiple other things. Sadly, one’s spiritual life can take a back seat. When there are deadlines to meet, endless meetings, and children to care for, it can be easy to leave time with God out of the schedule.

Are you prepared for the Messiah’s return? How can you fit time into your busy day to make sure you are preparing yourself daily? Could you focus on Christ while you drink your morning coffee? Could you fit time in after you put the kids to bed? What about spending a little less time on social media? In order to be prepared, we have to plan. Spend some time this week thinking about how you can better plan for the coming of the Messiah.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, help me eliminate the things in my life that serve as an unnecessary distraction from you and help me find more time in my schedule to focus on you. Create a pure heart within me. Help me show your love to all those around me. Thank you for all the many blessings in my life. Amen.

About the Contributor:

Leslie Bailey Calicutt has been a member of First Presbyterian Church since the fourth grade. She and her husband, Russ Calicutt, are both juggling work and three small children: Lila (4), Russell (20 months), and Olin (2 months). If you attend Wednesdays at First, you have probably witnessed the Calicutt familiy chaos.