Freedom

Free. That is such a lovely word. Anytime I see a sign pointing to free food, I make a break for it! Free. In our society these days we are always trying to get more for less. My mom has started buying loads of groceries using coupons and saving lots of money while getting more food. Each time I call her, I can always count on hearing how much more food she got for less than its listed price.

We do this when purchasing cars and homes as well. We make offers lower and try to talk people into giving us more for our money. Everywhere I look, people are trying to get more for what they have. Take a look at our daily lives. We each have 24 hours a day - thats it. But yet we have so many things going on that we cannot keep up. As a result, we use computers, cell phones, television, and other things to keep up with everyone and everything. These items allow us to do more for our time. And yes, this is great! It allows for many, many opportunities to open up. However, there is a point where it becomes too much.

As I was sitting at the Verge tonight, a person next to me had their cell phone out the entire time. During the songs, this person was texting; during the talk, this person was texting; during prayer, this person was texting. I was furious. We have allowed our technologically advanced, more for what we have society consume our being. We have allowed this society take the place of our relationship with God.

Tonight, I have been thinking a lot about how much I fail to make time for God. I have realized how much my cell phone, computer, and television get in the way of my relationship with God. I have been trying to get more of the wrong stuff for my time. So, starting Friday October 2nd, I will check my cell phone once at night for emergencies. I will check my email 3 times a day: morning, lunch, and evening. I would challenge each one who reads this to give this a try with me for one week. Friday morning to Saturday morning, October 10th. I want to stress one thing though. The time you would be texting, on the computer, or watching television, or whatever it may be for you, replace it by spending quality time with God, and furthering relationships with people you may not otherwise get to know. If you do decide to try this with me, please leave a comment so that I can pray for you through out the week.

Uncontrollable

I like fire. Fire is fun to play with. I can remember many instances when I have played with fire and also been amazed by fire. As a kid, however, we were always taught not to play with fire. Why? Well the obvious answer is because it is dangerous, right? Well of course. I am going to use my brother and sister as an example for this.

When we were living in Salem,Va in the apartments, there was a little store just up the street. We would always go spend our money there on snacks and drinks. Tim, my little brother, found out that he could by matches - naturally he bought some. At the time he was 12, maybe 13. The hallway leading to our apartment was carpet. You might be able to see where I am going with this. Tim started little tiny fires all up and down the hallway for weeks on end. He was always able to put them out. But one day, if I recall correctly, one got a bit too big and he put it out with the fire extinguisher. Fire can tear apart homes and forests, it can destroy lives, and it is uncontrollable.

As I was watching a torch burn the other night, I was entranced by the fact that I never knew where the fire would go next even though it was a torch. I could not predict what or where it was going. Uncontrollable. Since I have been back in the States, I have developed this uncontrollable desire deep within me to be with underprivileged children, loving them and sharing the uncontrollable love that Jesus Christ has for me.

I have noticed that most people in the States are predictable. They go to church on Sunday and maybe Wednesday. There is a structure to all the worship services, and consequently, there is a structure to their lives. When we are filled with the love of Christ, he overflows our being with love. Where has this uncontrollable lifestyle gone? Where are the uncontrollable Christians? Last time I checked, no law ever stopped Paul from sharing the love of Jesus with everyone. In fact, not even prison stopped Paul. Now we let unwritten social laws control us.

Be uncontrollable.