In First Things First, A. Roger Merrill tells of a business consultant who was moving into a new home. He decided to hire a friend of his to landscape the grounds. She had a doctorate in horticulture and was extremely bright and knowledgeable.
Because the business consultant was very busy and traveled a lot, he kept emphasizing to her the need to create his garden in a way that would require little or no maintenance on his part. He pointed out the absolute necessity of automatic sprinklers and other labor-saving devices.
Finally, she stopped and said, “There’s one thing you need to deal with before we go any further. If there’s no gardener, there’s no garden!” 1
Our world has become obsessed with convenience. Whether it be our food, travel, communication or gardens, we’re determined to live “new cart” lifestyles. The trend has finally made it to the church. We offer many convenient times, styles, and locations. Because we're so busy we offer the condensed and abbreviated versions. Some congregations are now so efficiently convenient they can serve you your weekly God-connection in 45 minutes, less time than it takes to watch your favorite television show: fifteen minutes of worship, fifteen minutes of announcements and fellowship, and a fifteen-minute message.
But wait, there’s more. If that doesn’t work for you, you can stay at home and watch the service online. “And by the way, we promise not to mention anything that might convict or sadden you. There will be no sin talked about, no grieving over the lost, and no mention of social or moral injustices such as abortion or human trafficking. We strive to make it quick, easy, and pleasant.” I’m waiting for attendance “indulgences” to be sold: “Throw in an extra twenty bucks this Sunday and stay home with our blessing next week.”
I don’t believe our new version of Christianity is God-honoring or biblical. The pleasure of His company is readily available, but it’s not cheap. It will cost you time and effort. God wants intimacy with us, but He isn’t an easy score. He expects marriage and covenant, not one night stands.
But I assure you, He is more than worth the price.
1. Stephen R. Covey, A. Robert Merrill, Rebecca R. Merrill, First Things First (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1995), p 77
9 comments:
Interesting.
Paul I am new to the faith and still learning my way around. What is an appropriate amount of time to spend on devotionals and biblical study?
I’m not Paul but I will share what I have determined to be the proper amount of time……as much as it takes and then some.
I like the post.
As to how much for those activities?
As much as you are comfortable with.
Like a garden (the topic) you don't want to overwater (and feel overwhelmed).
I would not feel compelled externally, but nurture and listen to the internal compulsion.
The desire to know what God meant by what He said prompts me to look into it.
Glen, Sue & Ed have provided decent answers. I'd start with the Book of John, and choose perhaps the first 15 verses to start with. John is sometimes referred to as "the disciple of love" because he wrote so much about how much God and Jesus love us. Don't bite off more than you can chew; the only amount of Scripture - and time - that you spent is whatever's right for you. If it leaves you wanting more, then by all means spend more time.
Sue & Ed, thank you both.
Definitely and interesting take, and concur. People don't want to actually HAVE to do anything anymore... sigh
I concur, NFO. Thank you.
Reverend, one of things that the enforced absence has forced me to do is re-evaluate my current church. What I have found is that I can live without it, or at least without being in attendance to it. Which tells me that it is not the right church for me.
And yes, sin is more often remarkable for its complete lack of mention is so many churches (except for the now correct, societally appropriate sins).
Glen, if you are looking for an easy introduction to the Old Testament, might I suggest Hosea or Malachi? Both relatively short books, but a fine encapsulation of God's relationship with His people Israel.
It isn't the time, it's what you learn. You read along and you'll come to a part that you don't quite understand. This is why (we hope) you belong to a Church with a pastor and elders. You can ask them - individually, especially if the passage in question may be controversial. Get an answer, read some more, see if you agree.
tl;dr We must remove every artificial constraint which we impose. Let only the Spirit be our guide.
I would like to point out that the structure of worship services towards convenience is the same as that at the bottom of Glen's question.
What I intend to say is that while one's walk toward Christ Jesus should be structured, the frame should not be by 'the clock' (so many minutes here, so many minutes there) nor by any earthly imposition. Such device leads to rote, head learning, distraction from the true spiritual blessings of the wisdom of God.
To what measure is the grace and love, say when giving care to the widow next door, we conform our acts to doling out only that which we think is sufficient? About this, Jesus said to give also your cloak. At the heart of the matter is to give generously, hilariously, yes; not according to the measure we think is sufficient but to that which is needed by the recipient.
In saying that, it appears I may have strayed from the original question. But my example speaks to the same; that when we place artificial confinements, be they time, or convenience, or other, upon our walk, then we endeavor to place ourselves first and the gospel of Christ afterwards.
What is the appropriate time becomes self-evident when we surrender ourselves to be led by the Spirit. I have found that the greater the investment under the conditions set forth by the Spirit, the greater my willingness. Others have said the same.
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