Choosing What We Savor

Saturday Night of Arizona Campmeeting 2025

by Sis. Ellen Pangilinan

On the evening of April 26, 2025, Sis. Ellen Pangilinan addressed the congregation at the Arizona Campmeeting with a heartfelt and thought-provoking message. At the core of her sermon was a compelling question: "What do we truly savor in life—God or the things of this world?" She posed this question not merely as a rhetorical device but as a sincere invitation for each listener to honestly assess their personal values and priorities.

Sis. Pangilinan initiated her sermon by highlighting the temptations and distractions abundant in today's society. She noted how even seemingly neutral advancements, like electric cars, symbolize humanity's continuous quest for novelty and status. The endless pursuit of innovation and progress, she argued, reflects a deeper human tendency to constantly seek new forms of satisfaction and happiness in temporary pleasures.

She poignantly remarked that these worldly pursuits, while not inherently evil, often subtly distract believers from wholeheartedly focusing their hearts on God. Sis. Pangilinan emphasized that these distractions are frequently insidious, creeping into our daily lives and quietly redirecting our passions and affections away from spiritual matters.

She warned listeners that the enemy often disguises distractions as innocent or beneficial activities, thus effectively masking their potential spiritual harm. She urged believers to remain vigilant, continually evaluating whether their hearts are truly oriented toward heavenly pursuits.

The Danger of Misplaced Priorities

Sis. Pangilinan vividly illustrated her point using Peter's rebuke from Jesus in Matthew 16:23. This scripture provided a powerful depiction of how easily even devoted followers can lose sight of spiritual realities. Jesus confronted Peter, saying, “Get behind me, Satan,” not because Peter's intentions were malicious, but because his priorities were tragically misaligned.

Sis. Pangilinan underscored that believers today often unknowingly repeat Peter’s error. They inadvertently prioritize temporal comforts, conveniences, and ambitions above their divine callings and spiritual responsibilities. She expressed concern that this misalignment often occurs subtly, in ways that believers fail to recognize until substantial spiritual damage has been done.

Using John chapter 4 as a significant reference, she recounted the powerful encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well, highlighting Christ’s intentional prioritization of spiritual nourishment over physical comforts. While His disciples were concerned about food and practical provisions, Jesus' focus remained resolutely on spiritual realities, teaching His followers through example the importance of prioritizing eternal truths over temporal needs.

She called on believers to intentionally cultivate a deeper hunger for spiritual truths, aligning their appetites and desires closely with God's eternal purposes. Sis. Pangilinan emphasized that such cultivation requires discipline, prayer, and consistent reflection on Scripture. Without deliberate spiritual habits, she cautioned, believers risk becoming complacent or lukewarm in their relationship with God.

Contentment and Spiritual Richness

Drawing from 1 Timothy 6, Sis. Pangilinan explored Apostle Paul's counsel regarding contentment and godliness. She warned extensively about the spiritual dangers associated with pursuing wealth and worldly comfort at the expense of one's relationship with God. She pointedly stated, "Godliness with contentment is great gain," underscoring the profound spiritual wisdom encapsulated in Paul's words.

Sis. Pangilinan encouraged the congregation to find genuine satisfaction not in the accumulation of material wealth or worldly acclaim, but in developing a rich, meaningful, and abiding relationship with God. She described how genuine contentment is found in a life fully surrendered to God, where earthly possessions and achievements are viewed as secondary and supportive, rather than primary and essential.

She passionately explained how prosperity, which is especially prevalent in affluent societies like America, could potentially become a spiritual detriment if not handled with godly discernment. The abundance of resources and opportunities available could quickly become distractions, shifting the focus away from God’s kingdom toward personal comfort and security. Sis. Pangilinan cautioned listeners, reminding them, "Our blessings can easily distract us if we do not manage them with godly wisdom."

She further advised that believers regularly evaluate their attitudes toward wealth, luxury, and comfort. This introspection, she argued, would help them ensure their hearts remain aligned with God’s purpose, fostering spiritual resilience against worldly temptations.

A Call to Genuine Commitment

Sis. Pangilinan emphasized the urgency and importance of making deliberate and consistent spiritual choices, echoing Christ’s teachings that pursuit of His Kingdom must come before all else. Quoting Matthew 6:33, she clearly laid out the scriptural directive for believers to prioritize spiritual growth and commitment above worldly endeavors.

She also shared poignant personal testimonies and historical examples of faithful individuals who unwaveringly prioritized God’s work despite significant personal challenges and sacrifices. These stories served as powerful reminders of the spiritual strength and joy that result from genuine commitment to God.

Sis. Pangilinan stressed that authentic spiritual commitment often involves making difficult personal sacrifices, yet these sacrifices invariably lead to profound spiritual rewards. "The temporary sacrifices we make," she assured, "will yield eternal dividends, blessings far surpassing worldly gains."

Reflective Questions for Personal Growth

1. What do I genuinely savor most—my relationship with God or worldly comforts?

2. Are there areas in my life where earthly priorities overshadow spiritual goals?

3. How can I actively cultivate contentment in my daily life?

4. In moments of temptation, do I intentionally choose spiritual growth over immediate gratification?

5. What specific actions can I take this week to better align my life with the priorities of God's Kingdom?

   
   

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 16:23 - Jesus rebukes Peter for savoring earthly things over divine purposes.

• John 4 - Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well highlights the importance of spiritual over physical nourishment.

• 1 Timothy 6:6-10 - Paul teaches that true wealth is found in godliness combined with contentment, warning against the love of money.

• Matthew 6:33 - Christ instructs believers to seek first God's Kingdom, promising that necessary worldly things will follow.