Wednesday; March 17

Have you ever heard the phrase “The Great Awakening”? If so, have you ever wondered what it was? According to history.com, the Great Awakening was sort of a spiritual revival in the English American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s. It appears that some of the preachers of the day saw a need to invigorate what had become stale religion. Institutional religion needed a shot in the arm that individual accountability would bring. Several historians believe this movement shaped much of how Christianity came to light (and life) during the early part of our nation’s history.

The reason for this history lesson was a passage I came across the other day. The Apostle Paul challenged First Century Christians, “Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” (Romans 13:11-13). As I read these words, I got to wondering if it isn’t time for another “Great Awakening”. Is it time to lay aside some of the trappings of human religious institutions and revitalize the personal relationship we need to have with God? We have been called to be lights in the world, challenging not only the evil we see, but also our own lethargy.

Let’s get to work. The whole world needs to hear the pure and exciting message of God while some of our churches may need to rekindle the spark that brings that light to the world.

Think About It!

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