A Sense of Urgency

Black Friday lacked its usual luster this year. Not that I ventured out early on Friday, but I read about it the next day. Parking lots not so full. People not as frenzied. Traffic not so bad. What was so different? No need to wait for discounts. Easy access to order things on line. It seems there is no longer a sense of urgency to buy an item.

 

I've not been one to get up at 4 a.m. on Black Friday. I can only remember one Black Friday where my friend and I ventured out for deals. It was CRAZY! The lines. The people. The unruliness of people to be first and get what they wanted. I can't even remember what I bought that was so very important. 

 

What creates a sense of urgency in your life? Black Friday? Christmas shopping? Getting work done? Making money? Honestly, I don't want to get to the end of my life with a sense of urgency about things that don't matter. I find myself often turning to the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible) to find Jesus Christ living a different sort of life.

 

Jesus had a sense of urgency, but for things that were eternal in nature. He wasn't stressed out. He wasn't frantic. He was focused. He was intentional. When criticized, He didn't defend himself, but kept on mission with His Father's work. Every day mattered. Every relationship mattered. How He communicated to others mattered. Time was precious because He was about His Father's business. By looking at the life of Jesus Christ, we can learn so much! First and foremost, we can have a personal relationship with Jesus. Secondly, we can follow Jesus in His way of life. Finally, we can live with a sense of urgency like Jesus.

 

I wonder what assignment God would have for you, if only you would ask? How could God use your gifts to make a difference? What do you fear that keeps you from moving closer to God's purposes for your life? Where do you need to put off procrastination? What people need your encouragement and love today? Whom have you refused to forgive? Living a life for God gives new meaning to a sense of urgency. It means looking at what has hindered you.

 

Christmas season is here. What's going to put you in a frenzy? Is it buying stuff? Running ragged to get everything done?  Keep calm and look at Jesus' life. Learn from Him what matters most. Have a sense of urgency....for what matters.

 

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.