What do we strive for?

It's really easy to be distracted by the things that the world defines to be good: studies, careers, prosperity, you know the drill. Honestly, none of these things are bad in and of themselves; in fact, we strive for excellence in every area of our lives to give glory to God. They only become an issue when they usurp the position of God in our lives, at which point they become idols.

Even our ministry could become an idol! We often think that doing the things of God means that we are loving God, but if we do them for the wrong intentions and with the wrong attitudes, then they are just as meaningless as the other things of this world.

A few days ago, Matt Gilman posed a question that God had asked him: "If there was never anything in it for you, would you still sing to Me?" I think it's a good thing for us to consider as worshippers and ministers: when we strive, what are we striving for?

Matthew 6:19–21 puts it like this: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." If our sights are set on heaven, then everything that is of the earth will no longer be of importance, whether it's profit, prestige, pride, or praise.

As we head into the June holidays, do take time to refocus your eyes and your heart heavenwards, and seek first the kingdom and the righteousness of God.

– alvin(:

Casey Lewis – Run the Race to Win the Prize

One of the illustrations of the Christian life used in the Bible is that of a race. Paul instructs us in 1 Cor 9:24 to run the race so as to win the prize – but how do we do that? Casey Lewis dives into this topic and presents five ways to do that; perhaps this can help us set to our eyes on our eternal treasure.

John Varney – A Different Way to Visualize Rhythm

If you didn't already know, TED-Ed produces some amazing and informative animations that contain knowledge put into bite-sized pieces. This particular video gives an interesting perspective on rhythm using the "wheel method", which might be more intuitive and easier to understand than the regular linear interpretation in the form of a score, or might perhaps be quite useful when perceiving grooves and patterns and understanding where they fit in the pocket.

As we prepare for the whole plethora of June activities, let's remember not to be overcome by event fatigue, but to keep our sights on the things that truly matter in the eternal scale of things.

Over and out!