Fall on Your Knees

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn once said there has been a loss of the serious moral basis of society.  True.  We live in a day dedicated to excess and enjoyment.  The two are often seen to go hand in hand.  People have lost contentment in normalcy (which is, in fact, the staple of life) and spend time with pursuits in which they try to “enjoy themselves.” Often, these pursuits are addictive behaviors or involve irresponsible uses of time and assets.  Dedicated to fun and loyal to none.

Everything today is fun and games.  If it doesn’t produce a high, we don’t want it.  The tragic thing is that the more we seek pleasure for its own sake the more it eludes us.  So, we see people not content or really enjoying anything.  This is understood by observing the prevalence of low-risk, short-term commitments that don’t require too much of us.  In the pursuit of happiness, life loses its meaning.  Is it any wonder that people are so frustrated?

I see this in the church all the time since that’s what I do.  If there is any institution that should sound a call to responsibility and reflection, it is the church.  Year after year, I have tried to infuse excitement into the activities of my local church, and, in the proper place, that is all right and good.  The thing that gives me pause is that everything anymore has to be “the greatest,” “the most inspiring,” “the best.” The elements that have produced discontent in society at large have invaded the church. 

And the church has embraced the euphoria of the age.  Excitement, however, has not produced an army of saints fit to engage the gates of hell.  Living is a serious business with eternal consequences.  Feeling good does not translate to doing good.  The Bible doesn’t say much about the ramifications of our feelings on eternity, but it does say we will be judged on our works.  Jesus said those who mourn will be truly happy.

Now, I’m a wild and crazy guy, but I hope, in the end, to have fulfilled my responsibilities.  Reflection and repentance must be ongoing in our lives if our relationships with God are to grow.  One day, every knee will bow before God, but let’s not wait until then.  It’s not too late for us to recover the real meaning of life.  This Christmas can be a divine season of revelation and restoration.  Fall on your knees.  Your soul will feel its worth.

Sterl

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