Developing Spiritual Urgency

"Today's Devotion" For July 23, 2005

Read: Matthew 24:45-51; Jeremiah 34:8-20

DEVELOPING SPIRITUAL URGENCY

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man sows what he reaps." (Gal. 6:7)

Developing a sense of urgency seems quite difficult for many people. My wife and I have noted a certain lack of "urgency" about any number of things in our children; things which we never would have allowed to languish when we were their age. We've noticed this particularly in the area of college decision making. The current generation seems to have a willingness to ignore the old axiom, "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today" for the current popular thought of "I'll get around to it." Procrastination seems to be more acceptable than urgency. Opportunities have been missed because someone decided that "tomorrow" would be an acceptable time to act. Relationships have been destroyed because of the attitude that there "would always be time tomorrow" to deal with hurt and frustration.

People treat the things of God the same way. Paying attention to the spiritual isn't "today's" hot item. There seems to be an attitude that "tomorrow will be soon enough." At the same time, experience tells us that even if we do pay attention to the spiritual things, changing the way we live in obedience to God's Will is frequently put off until another day, since, of course, we can always repent "tomorrow." Christians also frequently act as if they know the exact hour of Christ's return. What the world sees all too often are the people of God living as "Saturday Night Sinners" and "Sunday Morning Hypocrites." Spiritually the same sort of thing happens. While God tells us that He expects obedience and faithful service from His people, too often the decision is made to do just one more thing in defiance of His Will because, after all, we can repent tomorrow.

In Jesus Christ our sins have been forgiven. We are called in Him to be faithful stewards of His blessings to us, particularly the gift of faith. As faithful stewards of God's love and forgiveness in Christ, we want to live lives of faith in anticipation that our Master will return at any moment. Spiritual urgency is essential for us as we live redeemed lives in Jesus. God's love and forgiveness are for the here and now, not "tomorrow." He want us to live forgiven lives today, rather than waiting for a "tomorrow" that may never come. Faithfulness is a "NOW" thing. Spiritual complacency has no place in the lives of God's people. We strive to live in the "here and now," holding fast to Jesus' words of assurance and hope, "Behold, I am coming soon" (Rev. 22:7) right NOW.

Prayer: Father, having a sense of spiritual urgency doesn't seem to be high on my hit parade of things to do every day. It's relatively easy for me to convince myself that spiritual things can be put off until tomorrow. Gracious Father, I need a sense of spiritual urgency in my life. I need Your Word and Spirit to instill that urgency in my life each day so that I may live a life that is truly blessed by You, forgiven and whole in Jesus Christ. Give me the spiritual urgency I need to not only live for You today, but to share Jesus with others today as well. Keep a sense of spiritual urgency strong and active in me, Father, so that I never fool myself into thinking "tomorrow" is soon enough to pay attention to Your love. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen. *****************************************************
--Pastor Boeck

Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.