We are all learning through these days of pandemic crisis. We may be learning how challenging it is to be with our family 24/7…even with all the love we have for them. Hopefully, we are learning the importance of a routine. If you are like me, the first few days of this stay-at-home edict I found myself wandering from task to task…or sometimes just sitting or reading for recreation and escape. Sometimes I watched old baseball games since there were no teams playing…no group sporting events of any kind.

One of the things I’m learning is the importance of a routine. Judy and I still get up early and do our separate Bible studies. Then at breakfast, usually at 7:00am, we read a devotional from a spiritual leader we admire. And often we listen to a favorite gospel song or hymn on YouTube. That’s been our routine for years, and we continue to stay on track with it. Routine is good, especially when we could rationalize that we don’t need a routine. Not going anywhere. Not seeing anyone. No appointments on my calendar. No meetings…apart from an occasional Zoom meeting.

Along those lines, I was looking in my closet this morning and saw some shirts Judy had ironed for me a few days ago. (I know…I’m blessed!) I haven’t worn those shirts yet. They are the shirts I would wear for Sunday church or for teaching a class or for meeting with someone for lunch to talk about our ministry. They are not the shirts I would wear around the house. Those shirts were for “good” events…not just hanging around the old homestead.

Looking at them this morning, I have changed my mind. I’m going to dress a little better these days. At least during “working hours.” I’m going to put on something besides tennis shoes or deck shoes. I may even put on khakis instead of jeans. (I know…radical.) The point is, I need to reinforce my routine during these days with how I dress. While it probably won’t be coat and tie, it will also not be jeans and a t-shirt all day.

I remember a hymn we use to sing. It may be instructive for you as you lead others…even when distanced from them. One of the verses says:

Give of your best to the Master;

Give Him first place in your heart;

Give Him first place in your service;

Consecrate every part.

Give, and to you will be given;

God His beloved Son gave;

Gratefully seeking to serve Him,

Give Him the best that you have.

A worship pastor, Howard B. Grose, wrote those words in the 1800’s after an incident in his church’s choir practice. Grose’s son gave the account.

“My father was the organist and choir director of our church. One evening at choir practice a young man wandered in late, interrupting what was going on as he slid past other singers into his place. When my father asked why he was late, he simply shrugged and had no answer. At which my father stung him…and set the bar for all of us…by saying to the latecomer, “The Lord doesn’t want your spare time.”

I’m reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words to the Colossian believers.

Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people…. Colossians 3:23 NET

These are challenging days. Sometimes we just want to get through them. It may be that God wants to teach us in these days. Teach us to value the things He has given us…family, possessions, home, friends…in a far deeper way. He may be reminding us that everything we do is a reflection of our love for Him. And the Lord may want us to shed those things in our lives that are not so important and lean on those things that have eternal value.

Give of your best to the Master….as to the Lord and not just for others.

Excuse me… I need to go pick out tomorrow’s wardrobe.