When I read the parable of the lost sheep, I have sometimes wondered why a lone sheep would wander off in the first place. I understand the main point of the parable is that finding a lost sheep and returning it to the fold is a great accomplishment, and when we think about saving souls, it covers a multitude of sins. But I wonder why the sheep ever drifted away. Was it just not paying attention, or was it distracted?
There are so many opportunities to get distracted in the world today; cell phones, television, movies, video games, shopping stores, amazon, google, hunting, fishing, driving, football, baseball, restaurants, plays, orchestras, (and that is just some of the legal stuff!) it is no wonder humans are easily distracted. I no longer believe it is the ADD or ADHD diagnoses of children. I now believe it is the SOUND BITE SOCIETY of modern marketing and instant gratification that dominates. So where does that leave God, Jesus, the church, and our worship?
I find myself remembering with fondness the old “Blue Laws,” when everything was closed on Sunday. If you needed gas or groceries, you better buy them Saturday night, because everything was closed on Sunday. If you were traveling and needed to potty on Sunday, you’d better find an open church building! Then again, this could be an example of doing the right thing for the wrong reason, being forced to go to church. It seems fewer people choose to go to church anymore, and then many of those are distracted while there, just not into worship at all.
You know, there is not much to do in heaven, worshiping the Lord morning, noon, and night. Oh wait, there is no night there, because the Lord is all the light. An eternity of worship without a TV screen in sight. Talk about boring. Well, I’m not sure about you, but I’ll take it. Sing on, this joyful pilgrim.
Grace & Peace, Charles.