The tornado of the “next big thing” is always swirling around us. There is always another program to practice, another conference to attend, another podcast to listen to, another book to read (or write!). There is always something someone is convincing us we need to be doing.
It is the tyranny of the next big thing and it is simply exhausting to keep up, isn’t it?
In such a culture, it is highly likely that we are doing so many things that we end up doing nothing well. Perhaps the torrent of audio and visual media we have is actually making it very difficult to live the quiet but meaningful lives God calls us to. We spread our energies into so many channels from social media, to educational endeavors, to travel, to conferences—that we get caught in a web of perpetual preoccupation and never land to process and meditate before we’re off again.
In this milieu, I think it's at least credible to ask whether it's a good idea that Christian organizations have annual conferences. What is their purpose? Is it to extend the life and reach of the organization? Is it good that new books on branches of every Christian subject are pushed out by Christian publishers every year? Why? What is their purpose? Do we really need a new translation of the Bible (again)? How much is money a determining factor in answering these questions? If podcasts are the most helpful means of Christian education, why is our generation not bursting at the seams with a deeper understanding of the Bible? Is it really necessary that you get another degree? Why? To make a name for yourself? To garner respect? Is it because you're bored? Do we really need another seminary?
Don’t get me wrong. As a pastor, I’ve benefited from an extensive personal library. I like books! I've also been to conferences that have enriched my theological understanding. There are podcasts that we've all learned from and can appreciate. Social media can be a source for evangelism and staying connected with friends we might otherwise lose contact with. There are legitimate areas of study that some can (and perhaps ought to) pursue.
The simple point I’m trying to make is that the things we need to pursue (in the end) are actually pretty simple. God has given us the ancient, ordinary, and gracious means he uses to sanctify saints—the preaching of the Word of God, the sacraments, and prayer. We need to worship weekly. We need the local church. And a Christian’s real devotedness and devoutness is ultimately linked to the Acts 2:42 localized emphasis on apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
We simply can’t do everything. And when we do too much, we get exhausted. The truth is, we don’t have the time, energy, or constitutional makeup to keep up with everything that everyone says. And that’s okay! Because our sphere of influence is what matters most—as a parent, spouse, friend, church member, or employee.
While we can’t listen to every good podcast, we can (and should!) worship every Lord’s Day with the saints. While we can’t read every good book, we can (and should) learn from the pastors and teachers Christ has placed over us. While we can’t participate in every program, we can (and should) contribute our offerings to furthering the Great Commission and supporting our local assembly. While we can’t attend every conference, we can (and should) “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” as we live our lives together in a church we call our own, waiting for the second coming of Jesus.
Abounding Grace Radio