Let me schedule you in

In a world marked with Blackberries, Palm Pilots, and Google Calenders, time revolves around where we want to go and who we want to see. Planing out our schedules to such preciosion, it seems as though every waking moment is accounted for, and that true coumminacation becomes forced and impersonal. Like most of us we all have busy schedules and try to spin the plates without one or more of the plates tumbling to the ground. I recognize that I haven’t taken the time (go figure!) to really ask God for wisdom in being a good steward of His time.

Recently, i was asked by a friend to share my schedule, to give a brief overview of a typical day and where I go, including the time frame in which those activities take place. Work, seminary, the gym, church, etc. This was a hard task to do because I value time but in a way that makes more space or time for myself, often using the busyiness of my schedule as an excuse. This generation of people as well as the post WW2 generation serioiusly want to be connected with others, but there is a huge barrier to that: selfish ambition and schedules. Some of us may seem isolated and fail to reach out just as Christ died on the cross for His people that they may dwell together in unity. I’ve seen this tendency to withdrawal manifest itself in various ways, and even when I interact with others I sometimes feel alone. For one thing, I am reminded that this a lie, and that my focus on the Gospel is diverted towards functional messiahs that offer temporary comfort.  There is also an expectation imposed on others to fulfill that desire people have to connect with others as the Gospel shapes the cultus of the church. I’ve seen this happen quite frequently in my life with family and friends. In a way, I want them to take action, then I’ll gladly participate. This only begets a deleterious passivity that show no inititative. If I want to be a leader I must take a hold of that which Christ has taken hold of me. Instead of waiting for someone else to act, I pray that I’d show concern for others and engage in gospel converstation. Sometimes that may mean it might not begin as soon as I like, but that there lies within me a power that is fueled by the Holy Spirit.  Thanks be to God for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The unity of the church requires a wORD- centered and Gospel centered approach in which sinners submit to their Lord and KIng.