By Pastor Doug Cox

In today’s Simple Truths Bible Study we learned about steering clear of spiritual quicksand. There are various ways to get stuck spiritually. We can allow ourselves to get too busy for God. We can have a lack of discipline when it comes to prayer and Bible reading and we can also be lazy about the things of God. The problem is once you get stuck it’s hard to get out.

One lady in the group shared how she accidentally walked into some quicksand while fishing and couldn’t get out on her own. The harder she tried the deeper she sank. Thankfully she got her husband’s attention, and he pulled her out.

No doubt we all face these issues and sometimes struggle with them. Some struggle with being too busy for God by choice. They make too many outside commitments. They have so many things they want to do and enjoy doing and these things are the priority. This busyness is self-induced and shows that God is not first in their life.

But others are busy because they have inescapable demands placed on their time. They must work long hours and have challenging work expectations, plus demanding family responsibilities. By the time the day is over they have little time for themselves, and many times the result is a spiritual life that is going nowhere.

This is why it is important for us to realize how important it is to give time to God. Give time to God even if it is hard, and even if it is limited. Spending quality time with Him will give you the opportunity to draw from Him the strength, and wisdom and other things that you need. It can be where you get the answers to what you thought were unsolvable problems.

The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:9 that we “…are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.” (NKJV) One translation says we are “co-laborers together” with God. I remember over the years working in the various trades of carpentry, driving truck and welding to name a few. In each of the jobs I worked with skilled workers who were more than willing to share with me their knowledge and ways to do things. How much more is God willing to work with us to help us have a successful spiritual life. He wants to work with us, but we must make ourselves available.

So, the question is, will we give God access? Notice the verse says we are God’s field, and we are God’s building. Ephesians 4:27 tells us to “…give no place to the devil.” The word “place” can also be translated “territory.” Your life is territory that can be occupied. When you spend time with God and keep Him involved, He will work with you in the field and building of your life. On the other hand, laziness, lack of discipline and making excuses are what the devil needs to gain access.