PEA RIDGE — I’ve noticed something recently that has become a bit of a puzzler to me.

I’ve noticed we seem to spend a lot of time and put out a lot of effort when we are preparing for something we are really looking forward to.

Ever notice how, for instance, if we are going to take a bit of time off from work to spend some time with the family, go on a trip or just spending time laying back “kickin’ it” we start planning and putting a lot of thought and effort into whatever it is we’re going to do a long time before it’s time for us to do it?

Retailers know how to take advantage of our tendencies to do this - that’s why they start telling us how much we need and can’t live without “...” a long time before it is time for whatever “...” to happen.

What has really jumped out at me about this is there is a direct correlation to how much we want to do or look forward to whatever it is we are contemplating and our preparation. This means the more we want to do it, the more time we spend thinking about, even dreaming about how it’ll be, and in preparation for the event. Witness our preparation for holidays for an example - often weeks or even months before the actual event occurs - we’ve mapped out our plans for when, where, how andwhat we’re going to do when “...” comes along, eagerly anticipating the event, telling everyone who will listen all about what we’re going to do and how much fun it’s going to be.

The puzzling part is this: I’ve noticed as Christians we often anticipate and prepare more for the things we enjoy in this world than we do for thesoon coming of Christ. As Christians who eagerly await and look forward to His return, knowing the preparation that is needed, the message that needs to be shared, you would think we would spend more time in preparation and anticipation, wouldn’t you?

The Bible tells us to “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” to “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” But quick, can you even tell me which book these Scriptures are in?

We are told we should be “looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” How much do we anticipate and look forward to His coming? How much preparation, planning, effort are we putting into it? That will tell us how much.

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Editor’s note: Charlie Newman is pastor of Avoca Christian Church. To contact him, write in care of The Times at prtnews@ nwaonline.com or P.O. Box 25, Pea Ridge, AR 72751.

Church, Pages 2 on 11/17/2010