When we westerners hear about extended gatherings in poor, third-world countries, we often remark that the people have "nothing else to do". "If they lived here in the states, it would be different; you can't compare the two".  We say this and other things like it to ease our consciences from the dealing with the real reasons we react against spending too much time in worship, church meetings, serving, or simply living for Jesus. Shrouding our actions in words such as "balance", we drown out the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, who beckons us to return to our first love.

 

The people aren't here today because they have nothing else or "nothing better to do" (as if there was something better to do than worship Jesus!). They are busy. And they're normal people with normal problems. Businessmen and businesswomen have come in, spent hours, and gone back to work (it's the middle of the week). Families with young children have spent time here. This city rivals any western city for its size and technology. iPods and macbooks are made here. Twenty percent of China's PhDs live in this city. There are malls everywhere. The people have a lot they could be doing. They just have their priorities right. Young and old, women and men, they are here because they want to be.

 

No doubt, time is precious. But Jesus is worthy of our time being lavished on Him. It's time to break the alabaster box of our schedules.

 

I'm not talking about being irresponsible. Obviously we all have responsibilities in our careers, school, and family. But just consider free time.