As the storm was approaching the other day, it didn’t take long for stores to capitalize on the natural event that was going to bring so much destruction. Flashlights and batteries were hot items at a number of stores that I went to, but then they had things like propane stoves, other things of camping gear (even a couple of tents) and things that were completely nonessential. The wild part is that people were buying it like crazy. Even thought we are at the edge of the storm warning area.
The stores definately fostered a sense of immediacy when it came to getting ready and settled before the storm hit.
Though you can question the motives of the companies, like why not give out free lights if they are really concerned with the safety of their patrons, we can learn something from them. There was a feeling of urgency that kicked people into action.
As the school year begins and there is a change of pace within the ministry of the church we have to ask ourselves the question of urgency. As I think about it now, I recall CS Lewis writing in the Screwtape letters about one of the most dangerous things in ones faith life is the thought that we will have to to get to it later. Procrastination or a feeling that it will happen when it happens is a slow killer of our faith, lie a frog boiling in a heating pot of water.
Then what are we doing to instill urgency and importance to our students and congregation that spiritual growth is something that needs to happen NOW and each and everyday of our lives. Otherwise we get stale and ridged in our understanding of who God is and how God acts.
What are you doing to encourage your students have an urgent faith?
