In Jesus' time, and sadly still today, what we give over to God can sometimes be small compared to what we give over to other things.  Our time, talent and treasure in these multi-tasking days can seem pulled in so many directions that we feel depleted, and what we give over to God becomes whatever is left over.  But maybe if we consider what it is that God is really asking of us we might begin to find that when we put God first, all of the rest becomes easier.  One of the most beautiful biblical passages tells us plainly what God is calling us to do:

"God has told you, O mortal, what is good;

   and what does the Creator require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

   and to walk humbly with your God?"

(Micah 6:8, NRSV adapted)

 

In this passage from Matthew, Jesus is telling the people that they have forgotten who they are, and what they are to do as children of God.  They honor God with the things of human value in trade, but neglect what is of value to God.  They, and we often as well, honor with our lips, professing to be Christians, but not our hearts.  We do not see Christ in one another, or in ourselves.  We do not care for one another, ourselves, or all of God's creation. 

 

This Advent take time to pause and consider the world around you.  Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, look into the face of the clerk at the department store where you are shopping, or the train conductor on your commute to work, or the homeless person on the street, or the mirror - really look, and know that you are looking into the face of Christ.  The Christ that came to us so long ago, that is present with us still, and is to come.  When you do, your heart will be filled and you will be unable to do anything but put God first before all else.  And the rest?  The fullness of the Spirit that will fill you will make the burden feel light, because in the end, loving and serving one another is the most important thing on our to-do list - the rest is small stuff.