We live in a fast paced world. Since everyone seems to be on the run, our society has become convenience oriented. Pizza delivery franchises guarantee delivery within 30 minutes or it’s free. The goal of every fast food establishment is to have you in and out in a minimal amount of time. One hospital is advertising that if you come to their emergency room and don’t see a doctor in 30 minutes, your visit is free. Now, that’s one “deal” I hope I don’t have to take advantage of.
This “drive-thru” quick service trend has even entered into the religious realm. A church in Florida guarantees the church services will not last over 22 minutes. In case you read over that real fast, I said the entire SERVICE, not the SERMON lasts 22 minutes. Guess that the quick Sunday service allows members to hit the beach after church, go back home and sleep in a little longer, or get house or yard work done. The church has grown tremendously since offering this 22 minute service. I wouldn’t be surprised if the idea catches on at other gimmick rich churches.
There is something definitely wrong when people are in a hurry to get through the worship hour so that they can get home and attend to more “urgent” matters. Most churches meet only three to four hours a week out of a total of 168 hours. Folks, three hours isn’t even enough time. Some folks don’t even make it one hour a week. The early church assembled together every day (Acts 2:46). We meet a small fraction of the time that the early church met. Yet, some still complain when the services go over 5 or 10 minutes. Do we have a better place to go after we dismiss? I don’t think so.
Yes, our world is fast paced. Yes, it does seem like we are always on the run. The real question is, “Do you have time for your God?” He is always there for you (Hebrews 13:5). Are you there for him?
. . . Borrowed