Morning Devotional
April 3, 2005
"No Loitering" 
    by Don Emmitte

Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT).

 

I saw a sign outside a church recently that caught my attention. The sign said “No Loitering on Church Property.” Since I write devotionals everyday, I’m always looking for ideas. Instantly I thought this might be the beginning of a thought for a devotional. I must admit, I was quite offended by the sign at first thought, and this devotional was taking a completely different shape. The idea that a church would keep people away, even ones who are not there for the expressed purpose of attending church, seemed to defy the very reason for church, to reach people who are headed no where and point them somewhere!

 

I came home, looked up the definition of loitering, and began to write my devotional. The more I studied the definition, the more I began to actually agree with the sign. The word loitering means: “To stand idly about; linger aimlessly; to delay or dawdle.” To loiter basically implies the person is hanging around for an extended period of time without a real reason for being there. The longer I considered the definition, the more sense it made to me.

 

I’m not sure this was the intended message the church was trying to convey, but in a sense, they were correct. The apostle Paul emphasized this in our reading this morning. There should never be a time when we are “coasting” through life. Believers are to “run” as in a race. We are to strive to go forward and excel to greater heights as believers.

 

I have heard it said that we ought to change the words to a popular hymn, Standing on the Promises, to Sitting on the Premises! Let this devotional today encourage you to reevaluate your level of involvement in the work God has called you to do. Here’s a word of caution though: Please don’t confuse work with activity. This is not a call to attend church more. It is not a call to be busier. It is a call to intensity in the work before you. That may mean living a better example at home or work. It may lead you to spending more time with your family. It may result in your reevaluation of where your real trust is placed. How about it? Are you loitering about? If so, then get in the race!