Time is Running Out!

by Brian Singer-Towns

(The following reflection is base upon Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 1 Corinthians 7:29-32; and Mark 1:14-20.)

Just One More, Lord!

God, let me just get this iPod and then I'll donate more money to the church. Lord, I just have to finish this remodeling project and then I'll donate some time to Habitat. No, really, God, I just have to get through this sports season and then I can get my spiritual life in order.

Things Get in the Way

I don't know how many times I've said things like this during my life. There always seems to be one more thing that I need to accomplish or one more thing I want to have so my life will be in order and people will respect me -- and then I can do God's work.

Our society plays this up big time. Become a multi-billionaire like Bill Gates and then you can really do some good. Or you need to be a celebrity like Bono to be able to influence people. This Sunday's readings shatter that illusion.

Ordinary People Make the Difference

Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John were just ordinary guys, there weren't rich or important. They probably didn't think they could do anything special for God at all. Except for one thing -- they had their priorities right. They were in the middle of a day's work when Jesus called them.

They could have said, "Lord, let me finish today's catch and then I'll come and find you." Or, "Jesus, I just have to finish mending this net for my dad and then we'll talk." But they didn't do that. They immediately stopped what they were doing and followed Jesus. Wow.

You and I can also make a difference for God. We just need to have our priorities set on him and recognize the things he wants us to do. That means when we see someone hurting and in need, do something, right now. When we have the chance to grow in our faith by attending a retreat or reading something uplifting, do it. That online role playing game or having that new DVD aren't nearly as important.

The Time Is Now!

The reading from Paul's letter to the Corinthians emphasizes the need to commit to Jesus, right now. "I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time is running out." Perhaps Paul thought that time was literally running out, that the world would end within his lifetime and the Lord would return.

But I like to think of it another way. I only have so many minutes in a day. I can waste those minutes on accumulating and taking care of "stuff," things that ultimately do nothing to bring me closer to God. Or I can spend them on relationships and in doing things to help others -- things that can also make me in some small way "a fisher of people." Time is running out, each of us needs to choose.

Life Applications:

Do you really believe that God is calling you to make a difference in the world? Why or why not?
What is Jesus calling you to do to follow him more closely?
What is on your "to do" list or "must have" list that gets in the way?

Copyright 2006 by Brian Singer-Towns
All rights reserved.