The Adrenaline god
When Scripture speaks of the pace at which we are to live as Christians, the word picture is overwhelmingly one of steadiness. Faithfulness. Consistency. It’s not one of high-speed adrenaline or hurriedness.
For example, Paul urged gospel servants in Corinth “to be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2) and citizens in Thessalonica to “aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs” (1 Thess. 4:11); the writer of Hebrews exhorted dispersed believers to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1); Paul reminded Timothy to “be ready in season and out of season” (2 Tim 4:2), the Romans to “be patient in affliction” (Romans 12:12), and the Christians in Galatia to “not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). These are but a few of the imperatives that call us to a life of righteous routines.
Our current culture, however, pushes against these concepts. “Itching ears” too often sadly characterizes our disguised desire for the newest thrill or spiritual high. We too quickly grow bored with the tried-and-true and falsely think the flashy and shiny will finally satisfy our souls. We search for an in-the-moment rush or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to produce a non-stop flow of adrenaline. “Maybe that will get me where I need to be” we think. The reality is this: It won’t. It never has. And it never will.
Instead of chasing the dream at breakneck pace, let me encourage you to strengthen the stride of your daily steps. Walking surely is far better than running blindly. Accuracy is much more valuable than adrenaline. Plodding your way there is of greater worth than quickly projecting yourself there. “Slow and steady wins the race” is a well-worn phrase for a reason: It’s true.
If you’re wondering if you’re chasing an adrenaline god or following the Almighty God, consider three diagnostic questions:
- Do you sense a lot of motion (i.e., external activity) but little progress (i.e., internal change)?
- Does your calendar dictate your schedule more than God’s mission?
- Is your spiritual growth based on events and programs or disciplines and relationships?
As you ponder the previous questions, commit to focusing today on the steps God has before you in this moment. Surrender each one singly and specifically to the Lord as he “orders them” (Psalm 37:23). Yoke up with him as he leads you through the fields of your life, discipling you gently and slowly each step of the way in his manners and mindsets.
Remember, fellow sheep, following is better than chasing.
Pastor Todd