Take a few moments to think about this passage from Blue Like Jazz.

I believe the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil but rather have us wasting time. This is why the devil tries so hard to get Christians to be religious. If he can sink a man’s mind into habit, he will prevent his heart from engaging God. I grew up going to church, so I got used to hearing about God. He was like Uncle Harry or Aunt Sally except we didn’t have pictures.



–Donald Miller, “Blue Like Jazz”

How true this is! So often we get caught up in the routine of church, of religion, that we forget Christianity is about relationships. In my search for a new church, I’m finding that I’m paying too much of attention to the details of the service, such as when and how they do the offering and communion, how many and what type of songs are sung, or how eloquent the pastor is, etc. I need to be paying more attention to the people of the church and how they interact with each other and newcomers. This is also reflected in my personal quiet time, something that I’m struggling with. I shudder to think about how many hours have been wasted sitting in front of the computer or television when I could be spending time with my Lord and Saviour. What habits or routines do you have that are keeping you from engaging God? That devil is a tricky one. Thank God he’s already been defeated and there’s nothing he can do about it.

Something for all of us to reflect on…