Urgently Proclaim

   Agendas, budgets, resource projections, and rationing all serve as ways of limiting our use of inadequate supplies.  One method of handling the problem, is to give out supplies until you run out.  As long as the resources hold out, everyone is happy and provided for.  Yet when the end comes, we are disappointed if a ‘needy’ situation is overlooked for luxury.  This is why we are admonished to plan ahead, count the cost, and to be good stewards. 

   Urgency – What is truly urgent?  Something only becomes urgent, when there is a known need, and we deal with limited resources.  A small bill, due in a month is not urgent because there is enough time to accommodate it.  While a severe illness can lurk undetected for years, but it is not urgent because it is unknown.  Only when an issue is both known and short of resources do we really begin to worry about it. 

   So much of our lives we find ourselves hurrying to insignificant tasks, dare I say it . . . urgently.  We go about fulfilling our duties, running errands, making appointments, all in attempts of making our schedule efficient and our lives worth the while.  There are always going to be more activities than we have resources to cover.  So the question then becomes, how we make the most of the resources we have.  What is the most urgent priority? Individually and as a church?

“And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up , behold , two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said , Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10-11

“And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:14

As ‘little Christ’s’ we should be focused on those things that Christ values.  Part of His challenge to us was evangelism, sharing the gospel with those who don’t know.  Those who accept the gift are justified, and admitted into heaven.  Yet there is a second thing Jesus ordered us to do, which is to make disciples.  The majority of Jesus’ 3 year ministry was spent teaching and guiding 12 men.  We give them a hard time because of moments of doubt, and visions of grandeur; but in truth it is due to these men and their efforts that we have heard the gospel. 

   We must become intentional about sharing the message we have been given.  We do not need a full knowledge of the entire scriptures, just a willingness to be faithful to the Word we have received.  If you could not share your personal testimony of faith, practice in the mirror or a trusted friend.  If you need a topic to engage a coworker in a spiritual conversation, take notes on the sermon, and then start a talk about it.