Historically speaking, the Christian life is entirely counter cultural in every generation. This is especially true for Christians today who live in a noisy, distracted, confused, and unsettled world. We have become a people who instinctively avoid silence and solitude, because we are accustomed to noise and scared to be alone. We have become a people who have lost the ability to focus on the important, because we are addicted to being distracted by the trivial. It would be a rare thing to be gripped and moved deeply in a noisy room. It would be a very difficult thing to train our focus on something astonishing and stupendous, after hours and hours spent on a mobile device.
Richard Foster said, “In the midst of noise and confusion we [Christians] are settled into a deep inner silence. Whether alone or among people, we always carry with us a portable sanctuary of the heart.”1 Foster’s words are grounded in the Apostle Paul’s words to the Philippians, “I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:12b-13 ESV).
As a Christian, would you say that you carry with you an inner “portable sanctuary” of solitude and silence? Are you content in the strength Christ provides, regardless of the circumstantial realities you’re facing? If not, what needs to change for you? Perhaps a better question would be: What if, for the next 3 weeks, you minimized distraction and maximized dependence in your relationship with God? What do you think you would see, discover, and ponder if, for the next 3 weeks, you put your phone down and pick up your Bible? What might happen in your closest relationships if you were more present and attentive? What if the next 3 weeks were marked more by the joy of worship, rather than the cheap thrills of entertainment?
The elders of Resurrection Church feel led to challenge us all to intentionally minimize distraction and intentionally maximize dependence on God – from now through the end of January. You probably don’t have to think too hard about where this should start for you. Maybe it’s your smartphone, social media, or TV. Maybe it’s your work or some hobby. Maybe it’s food and/or drink. If you prayerfully think about it, you will quickly identify the volume knobs in your life that need to be turned down so your satisfaction in Jesus can go way up! Remember, whatever you minimize or eliminate for the next 3 weeks, focus that same time, energy, and attention on Jesus. Read your Bible and meditate on God’s Word. Spend that time in prayer and worship.
Our prayerful expectation is that lasting change will happen for each one who commits to this challenge. We also want to celebrate together all that God does in us and in our church during this time. We encourage you to write to us at connect@rezfaith.com. On January 31st, we will share some of your stories along with our own. Start today and let’s see what God does!
1 Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc, 1978, p. 96-97.