[547 words]
Many phrases inspire quick responsive behavior on the part of others. “Fire! Run! Help! Dinner! Free Television! Incoming! Snake!” Right alongside these declarations “ After Thanksgiving Sale ” must reside. Each year, prior to Thanksgiving the advertisements come pouring out. Shopping men and women dutifully take note, writing down all the particulars or saving the printed ads. Many literally write down a schedule of where they need to be minute by minute and what they specifically need to obtain in each location of every store. They know the prices, shapes, sizes, and colors of their objectives. Their priorities are established. It is not unusual to see long lines of people waiting early in the morning hours before stores open whether it is cold, dark, or rainy. Not only do these folks come early, they stay late! Busy throughout the day, they are driven like no other time in their life.
Let us consider another moment – Sunday morning. Sunday morning is a time when the Church gathers as was the example in the early Church (Acts 20:7). At that time, they sang hymns to God (Ephesians 5:19) and partook of communion as Jesus had commanded them to remember Him (I Corinthians 11:23-26). The Christians encouraged one another by gathering at these assemblies (Hebrews 10-25) as they also gave cheerfully a collection to further the Word of God and aid needy saints (I Corinthians 16:2). In the midst of this gathering, Christians also received the Word of God which was able to save their souls (James 1:21). Sunday morning truly offers great treasure! Praising God, glorifying God in obedience, remembering the savior of mankind, aiding others and enjoying their fellowship, and partaking of spiritual nourishment to make one complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). My daughter used to wake up as a little girl and declare “It’s day!” She woke prepared to get going with the day. How energized do you feel when you hear the phrase “It’s Sunday!”?
“It’s Sunday!” or “ After Thanksgiving Sale! ” which of these phrases brings more organization, excitement, and involvement to the Christian? Do they plan ahead their interaction on Sunday? Do they have their Bibles, notepads, and pens prepared? Are their lessons done ahead of time? Is their frame of mind prepared to glorify God or be a spectator? Do they engage in the singing with voices bright and reverence and cheer on their faces? When the congregation is viewed, does it appear everyone is at nap time, a funeral, bored out of their mind, disinterested? Does the Christian come early to be with his spiritual brothers and sisters? Does he stay late or find opportunity throughout the day to engage in the work of God rain or shine?
Dear friends where is your heart? Are you excited day by day as the coming of Jesus grows nearer (I Peter 1:13)? Is this what drives your behavior above all other aspects of your life? There are many phrases which may ignite your behavior such as “ After Thanksgiving Sale, Free Summer Sausage, and 75% off “, but may “it’s Sunday, let us pray, and study with me” be among the phrases that ignite your heart, soul, strength, and mind above all things.
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1).
Travis Main
via Chapman church of Christ
Ripley, TN