I don't usually blog about church sermons but I heard a danged good one this morning--at the Connection, an off-campus ministry of West End Baptist Church in Rock Hill, S.C.
The guy delivering it was Pastor Mike Lowery, who came to Rock Hill several years ago from Texas.
Lowery, who happens also to be the minister/clergy person for the Winthrop University men's basketball team, spoke about "getting rid of the iClutter in our lives." Catchy title of his sermon: "Life Decaffeinated."
In religion, getting rid of the clutter--that breaks us down, tires us out or needlessly complicates our life--is called living the decaffeinated life.
In journalism, we call this writing in line with the KISS principle. (Keep It Simple, Stupid."
Highlights from Mike's message this morning (that I need to revisit from time to time to keep my priorities straight).
1. Time is our most valuable commodity--not money, possessions or worldly accomplishments. Despite the digital age, with all its electronic gadgets, that we live in, we can't seem to make time for quality, meaningful time with the people we love most. Our "relationships," many times forged with cell phones, text messages or Blackberries, tend to be shallow and superficial.
2. Lots of things work against our changing this negative tendency, including: addiction to speed--we try frantically, for example, to beat others in the checkout line at the grocery store, and we allow ourselves an inward smirk if checked out first or beat the crowd; talking to much and listening too little (reminds me that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason); having too much clutter in our lives (homes, offices, cars, wherever) which tends to burden us, just by its sheer volume; trying to impress others with our "toys" (cars, houses, computers) and worldly accomplishments ("My kid is a straight A student at Mountain City Middle School") or "I'm a big shot CEO who works 80 hours a week."
Lowery's prescription--Biblically based:
1. Jesus had time for God. So should we. At the very least, we should not work on the Sabbath, which is supposed to a day of rest, relaxation and reflection.
2. Quit saying "Yes" to so many things just to be loved or respected in our culture. Learn to say "No" to those people or things that weigh you down.
3. Quit being rushed, tired and fatigued. Change your lifestyle if you're in a rut that keeps you running like a Tasmanian devil. Stay away from doing so much "multitasking"!
Translation:
Lead and live the decaffeinated life.
KISS
Good advice, Mike Lowery.
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