HomeWord - Apr. 26, 2011

Faster, Faster, Faster

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. —Romans 12:2

Technology has made it easier for society to move faster and faster. In many ways I am grateful, because time truly is one of my most precious commodities. No longer do I need to go face-to-face with someone in a grocery check out; I can scan my own items. I have speed dial on my phone, because it takes far too long to punch in those pesky 10 digits. I can watch an entire football game when I choose, in 35 minutes, by simply recording it on my DVR.

Somehow, instead of having more time, I seem to have less as technology works to make life more efficient. One would think it would be easy for me to take it slow and spend time with God. What am I doing with those two hours that I have saved by fast-forwarding the DVR? Upon reflection, it seems I am simply filling my time with more activity. Which brings me to the question: Is it possible to live a peaceful life in this increasingly faster world?

Paul writes to the Romans and encourages them to not fall into the pattern of this world. For me, I need to look at the speed in which the world is traveling. I get caught in the current of life and find myself floating quickly downstream, before I even realize I missed what God has for me. It is hard to be transformed when I am moving too fast to listen, read and pray over what the Lord has for me. As Paul points out, once I renew my mind then I will be able to understand God’s will. It is pretty hard to do when I am moving at warp speed.

Christians are called to live in this world, but not fall prey to its values. We are called to live a life pleasing to the Lord. For me, my greatest distraction is the speed…as I zoom through life and my to-do list, everything else starts to look blurry. Therefore, it has become increasingly important for me to harness the power of speed, pull back the reigns a bit and focus on my inner life. So as I feel things getting faster, faster, faster, the reminder is to slow down.

GOING DEEPER:

1. In what ways have you gotten caught up in the pattern of this world and let it distract you from what God has for you?

2. What are ways you can work to break this pattern in your life?

FURTHER READING:

Psalms 69:13-21; Mark 1:35; Colossians 3:9-10