– Scripture:
But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!
Romans 13:11–14 MSG
– Reflection:
Living With Urgency
No question, a lot of us are living in “I know, I know” mode . . . in “I’m gonna do it, but just not right now” mode. We know what’s important; we’ve just convinced ourselves we’ve got all kinds of time. And, because life is crazy busy right now, we’ve resolved to get around to doing what we should be doing later—when things slow a bit. We’ll change our ways later. We’ll get around to living out our faith later. It couldn’t possibly be. Waking up this morning was just like waking up yesterday. Tomorrow’s sure to be the same. There’ll always be plenty of time . . . right? Well, Peter wrote that God’s right now “restraining himself” because he loves you and me (2 Peter 3:8-9 MSG). He’s “holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.” But, warned Peter, it won’t last forever: “. . . when the Day of God’s Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief.”
Where do we go from here?
When the last day comes, the “space and time” God’s been giving us will vanish. So Peter made his appeal: “Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life?” So Peter made his appeal: live with urgency. Take a look at your life. Where are you spending money and talent? Where and with whom are you spending time? What’s being neglected? What needs to change? Are you willing? It’s time; time to shift into “I’m on it” mode.
Our Prayer for Today
Father, thank you for the time we have been given to get out of our mess together. Time in my mind is endless, and I need these reminders to stay on task. Let us all get to doing the work we are put here to do before the thief shows up. Jesus, allow us this day to move for you and the work you have for us. In your name, we pray. Amen.