You know the moment ... the one where the emergency vehicle rapidly gains on you as you drive down the highway. Sometimes, you have been observant enough to see it coming, other times it seems they have come from out of nowhere stopping your heart as you quickly pull over to the side of the road!
Alarms have a way of getting our attention. At least, they are designed to get our attention. The alarm clock that goes on snooze four times in the morning may not be the best example of that. If an alarm clock goes off on my phone reminding me of an event or appointment, but I am not in the room to hear it, than it may not prove to be too useful either. Alarms are supposed to get our attention.
This past weekend I was at a large youth event with 50 students from our area. On our way to the event, we stopped at a food court in a mall for supper. Just as we had started ordering our food a fire alarm started to go off. Everyone in our group stopped and looked around. A couple of people got up from their meals and begin to leave the building, but most stayed where they were, including the employees at the mall and in the food court. They showed no urgency and no panic ... so we carried on as though nothing was happening; as if there was no loud and motivating alarm ringing in our ears!
As we began our weekend, it became clear that for many people, this youth event and its theme of love was a resonating alarm in the lives of many. They heard the message of love, forgiveness, and repentance and like those who respond immediately to the sound, they began a story of a changed life in Jesus Christ right there. For others, it was as though the alarm were just a pesky sound off in the distance. Yes, somewhat motivating, but not exacting any real change or impact.
All I can say, is that I am so glad that many years ago, I heard the alarm in my life and that I choose to accept Jesus Christ as my Saviour. Today, as I am reminded of that call, I must choose to live in obedience and pursuit of Him.
