We make negotiations every day, maybe for a better price, a contract for buying a house, car, job, etc. This requires research so you may get the best deal. What happens when it becomes non-negotiable? How much of a priority is it for you to negotiate the best deal? Do you stay firm or give up?

Are we non-negotiable about our faith? Is it a priority for to defend the truth of God’s Word before the world? Which by the way is our God-given responsibility. Or have you given that responsibility over to yourself, society, culture, media, entertainment, or politics? Is your relationship with the Father a non-negotiable priority in your life?

In Psalm 27 David has an answer to this question. Psalm 27:4 states “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” The secret of David’s confidence was his private obedience to God. He took time to fellowship with the Lord to get direction from Him. David knew that the most important part of his life was the part God could see, and this was one priority he would not negotiate. David took time to meditate and contemplate the wonders of God’s grace. What if we negotiate each day we will set time aside to hear from God? What would that look like in our world today? David did not give in to his circumstances, rather he looked by faith to God in examining his circumstances from the Lord’s perspective. The Lord was everything He needed, just as everything we need today. He was David’s rock and fortress, non-negotiable.

The Bible sustains spiritual life. I know when I read and study the bible it protects my soul, mind, and spirit. It helps me to have wisdom in decision-making, courage in difficult situations, and discernment in relationships. I am protected. I know the promises of God in my life. God blesses me to see beyond trials and setbacks.

I am reminded of Enoch’s life of faith. During those days before the flood, the world was pretty much like today. Violence, hate, chaos, every man for themselves, power, and greed. Yet in all of that Enoch boldly announced that God would come to judge the world’s sin. Then comes the flood. Enoch’s life and witness remind me that it is possible to be faithful to God “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” (Philippians 2:15) One of Satan’s most successful devices is compromise. If he can delude Christians into abandoning the privileged position of being saved from sin and communion with God, then he can corrupt us and lead us to sin. This is the same plan Satan used for defeating God’s people in Noah’s day. He enticed the godly line of Seth to mix with the ungodly line of Cain, abandoning their devotion to the Lord. (Genesis 6:1-10). It is the same temptation we face today. It is called friendship with the world. Love of the world is not compatible with love for God. (1 John 2:15-16).

Oh, that we would love and worship the Lord, God. His love should bring out our worship. We worship in our prayers, songs, our living; and out of a heart of thankfulness and awe of who He is. He is the only One to be worshipped, yet we often have many other gods we find time to play with. Jesus in the wilderness gives us an example of a non-negotiable priority. Satan came to tempt Jesus, but Jesus’ non-negotiable priority was to glorify the Father, sustaining life.He came that we may have life abundantly. (John 10:10b)

So why do we play with our lives? We open ourselves up to hardships and pain when we choose man’s way of living. We go to church, join a ministry, pay tithes, come home, and live how WE choose, totally disregarding Jesus’ statutes, principles, and commandments on how to live and walk daily in the Spirit. We give in to the enemy and his schemes because our hearts and minds are not guarded by daily scripture reading and prayer. We surround ourselves with all the wrong people. We choose death and darkness over life and light. Maybe it is time for us to “I declare war” on all the gods we worship. Only the God above can give you life, strength, and power over the enemy and his minions.

In series one, we spoke about the storms that God can calm because his love is unfailing. It is only through Him that we live. My prayer is that the church will walk by faith, belief, and trust in Him. We fear because we don’t trust God or the power of His Word. Do you choose life or are you drowning in sin because of your love for the world? I pray we as Christians walk in the joy of making Him a priority non-negotiable. sustaining life.