•3:34 PM
By: J. Raymond Pecoraro, Wooddale Church of Christ
If we were to poll folks concerning "fast versus slowly," fast would win hands down.
People love speed so much they become obsessed with it. In fact, in many parts ot the world, fast seems to be the norm.
The "fast" craze, however, is getting us nowhere...fast!
"The time has come to challenge our obsession with doing everything more quickly," says Carl Honore in his book, In Praise of Slowness. "Speed is not always the best policy."
According to the Scriptures, he's right.
Peter warned that in the last days people would doubt God because it seems He is slow (slack) in fulfilling His promise to return. Peter pointed out, however, that this seeming slowness is a good thing. In II Peter 3:9, we read, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness."
The Lord is actually demonstrating His patience by giving people more time to repent (II Peter 3:9), and also being true to His character, as in patience or slow to anger (Exodus 34:6). We too must be slow to become angry...and slow to speak. (James 1:19).
According to James, "quickness" is reserved for our ears. We're supposed to be quick to listen. Think about how much trouble we could avoid if we learned to listen...really listen, not just stop talking...before we speak!
In our rush to meet goals and deadlines, let's remember to speed up our listening and to slow down our tempers and our tongues.
While we are at it, let's thank God for His divine wisdom in being slow or slack because this gives people more time to realize their need for a Savior!
While we have this time allotted us, let us not become complacent in our relationship to God.
Playing Russian roulette is for game players.
God does not play games with us.
Today Christ wants to be our Savior but tomorrow He will be our judge!
Are you ready for the Judgment Day?
Slowness is good on God's part in His second coming, but swiftness is good on our part when it comes to our soul's salvation!
