The Dog Days of Life
We are in what they call in baseball the "dog days" of summer. This
refers to the hot weather, the heavy schedule, and the mundane day to
day games before the pennant drive in September. This is the time when
injuries
increase, weariness sets in, and enthusiasm wanes. The excitement of
opening
day is long past. But success in the "dog days" is crucial if there is
to
be hope of a pennant. It is here that the stamina and character of a
team
are revealed.
Much of the Christian life exists in the "dog days." Though its results
continue, our conversion experience is past. Those exciting days of our
early
life in Christ when we were incessantly learning new truths from His
Word
are gone. Yes, we still learn new truth, but not as frequently now as
then. The newness is gone, but the freshness need not be.
In the Christian life, we reveal our character in the day to day
events. If we are to hear the Master say, "Well done," it will be
because of our faithfulness in the routine affairs of our daily living.
Elijah found that God is not only the God of Zaraphath and Carmel, but
also the God of Cherith and the "still, small voice." We become excited
when God gives us "great" opportunities of service. We must, however,
remind ourselves that every service
for the Lord is important and needs our best efforts.
We would like to have something "big" happen that would increase and
enhance our spirituality. God, however, has chosen not the unusual, but
the usual to deepen our spirituality. There are no short cuts to Christ
likeness. Regular habits of reading and meditating upon the Word of
God, praying, witnessing,
denying self, and controlling the thought life are essential
ingredients
to a walk with God. This is where real victory in the Christian life is
won or lost. The jewel of consistancy must adorn our life if we are to
have
crowns to cast at our Savior's feet when we bow before His throne.