We forget quickly. What was breaking news yesterday is trumped by breaking news today. And today’s breaking news will be trumpeted by tomorrow’s breaking news. Proof: 1) What was THE headline for news services two weeks ago? 2) THE news in America last week was all about Alabama tornadoes. 3) Since Sunday night THE news has been about Osama being killed (That one won’t end quite as quickly as the tornadoes).
Our attention span is SHORT. Many of us are like ADD children who feast upon the latest… most sensational and outlandish thing on Fox, CNN, or other news organizations. “Breaking news” just isn’t all that big a deal for very long.
Last Sunday I told a guy while we surveyed tornado damage that before long America would forget about the tornado destruction because something more sensational would bump us off the radar. I just didn’t know it would be that evening when President Obama announced Osama had been killed.
Spiritual Application: The Apostles couldn’t stay focused to pray with Jesus in the Garden… We are encouraged to continually be filled with the Spirit (It’s not a one time event)… It is possible to drift in our devotion to Christ… we need constant reminders to be faithful followers as Peter wrote…
2 Peter 1:12 I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
2 Peter 3:1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles…
Osama’s death will shrink in our collective conscience before long when the next big thing happens… and that’s okay. My desire as a pastor is to do all I can to keep stirring God’s people up so that their walk with God through Christ doesn’t wane to the point that it is virtually forgotten.
My prayer for those who might read this is that you stir yourself (And others) toward a continued faithful lifestyle that honors God regardless of whatever else you are involved in. As it is written in 1 Corinthians 10:31… “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all to the glory of God!”