Purposeful Prioritizing

Pardon me as I rant for a hot minute, but something's been getting to me, and tonight I just have to say something about it.

Where are our priorities as Christians when it comes to giving time to God??

Tonight after finishing classes and a good meal, I walked to Campus Church for the Wednesday night message. As I did so, I walked past the 2,977 flags that had each been purposely placed last night. The campus and the world rung with respect and remembrance for those who fell and gave their lives eighteen years ago. I am very grateful for the reminder today of sacrifice. Along these lines of sacrifice, I remember the one who gave the ultimate sacrifice about 2,000 years ago. He sacrificed his own son willingly to save a whole world of people. This human form of Jesus, crowned a hero, deserves all the respect in the world, and of it. As I sat in church, I noticed someone asleep in front of me. Upon looking closer, I realized that 3 of the 8 people in front of me were sound asleep, as guest speaker, Pastor Boyd, spoke on God's care. I began to wonder not just about God's care, but about ours as Christians.

Last week, the Bahamas were wrecked by Hurricane Dorian. I've heard the number 7 billion used to describe the amount of damage caused by this storm. Pastor Redlin, the head pastor of Campus Church, gave an opportunity for people to give to the relief efforts for the Bahamas, and gave a quick overview of the destruction. Everyone paid close attention, as they should when fellow men are so injured and robbed. I saw many people give around me, both of their attention, and then their finances. I was impressed and pleased with people's response and kindness towards others.

Now, as I watched people doze off, I listened to Pastor Boyd's message, and this phrase hit me. He spoke of the word of God and His will for us and gave this line. "Embrace it(the will of God, and His conviction), and be willing to grow to be more like God." Jesus, who gave His life for us deserves our attention, yet we fall asleep in church. I get it, church can become monotonous, and I've even struggled before with paying attention. I admit it. However, as I watch through every chapel and church service as people around me talk, laugh, and sleep throughout the service, I can't help but feel embarrassed that this is our response as Christians to the hero of our lives.

Well, my rant is over. Please take my thoughts, as awful as they are, and use them to hopefully feed the fire of dedication to God. He is worth our attention, and if we proclaim to love Him, we had better act like it.

Have a good night all, and give glory and honor where it is due!

Austin