20 Sep, 2011
Cruisin' Right Along
This week marks the beginning of the fourth annual National Cruise week; a week when cruise lines around the world offer some of the best deals on cruises and holiday get-aways. 15 million guests sailed on cruise ships in 2010, alone. With new ships being built and a growing cruise industry, it's expected that another 16 million will take to the seas aboard cruise lines in 2011, a 6.6% increase over 2010. According to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, "Today's ships offer a new generation of onboard features and a world of innovation, including surf pools, planetariums, on-deck LED movie screens, golf simulators, water parks, demonstration kitchens, self-leveling billiard tables, multi-room villas with private pools and in-suite Jacuzzis, ice-skating rinks, rock-climbing walls, bungee-trampolines and much more" (Cruise Industry Overview 2011).
Though, personally, I've never been on a cruise, it seems to be the perfect get-away - an opportunity to forget about the real-world for a time, to be entertained, waited on, and just enjoy the ride!
(Picture courtesy of Google Images)
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1 Peter 1:13-19
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy becuase I am holy." Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
Hebrews 6:11-12
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
What does today's God's Story scripture say about just cruising through life?
While there's nothing wrong with boarding a cruise ship and getting a break from the "real life," scripture is clear that we never get a break from our responsibilities and obligations as a follower of Christ. Though it would be nice to "take a few days off" and forget about all we, as Believers, are called to do and who we're called to be, Christ never wasted even a moment. In his 33 years on earth, he never got away, except to be with the Father.
Today's scripture reminds us that we are never to let ourselves, or our minds become idle; we can never just shut down. We are to be preparing ourselves for action, for the spiritual battle that is on-going. We must avoid the temptation to let ourselves become like a cruise ship (expecting others to serve us, entertain us, thus becoming spoiled and lazy), and instead be like a battle ship (always preparing ourselves for action, for the battle that is inevitable, and the work that is necessary to obtain the victory). We are to be intentional, actively (and daily) pursuing the things of Christ and preparing for a fight against the devil - Eph. 6:10-18.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
Where would you categorize yourself? Is your life on cruise - do you find yourself getting to the end of the week, month, or year wondering what you've even accomplished? When someone asks you "What is God doing in your life?" are you left thinking months back, wondering the same thing? Or, are you intentional with your life? Constantly looking for ways to join God in what he's doing, finding new ways to enrich your prayer life and sharpen your faith? Are you constantly swayed and tempted by things of this world, or are you motivated by the love of Christ to put your time and efforts into eternal things, instead? Spend some time with God, meditating on today's scriptures, and ask Him to show you how you could to be living more intentionally. Make some action steps for yourself for this week. Breakdown Ephesians 6:10-18, write it down on a notecard, and put it on your mirror or somewhere easily visible. Daily, work to put on the full armor of God, preparing yourself for the daily grind and spiritual battles that you will inevitably face.
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
Find ways this week to serve and encourage your friends. Instead of having the mindset of a passenger on a cruise line, treat others as though you were on the staff of a cruise ship. Serve your friends, listen to them, treat them with kindness, and do whatever you can to make them feel loved by you, and by God. When your friends notice that you are choosing to live your life differently than the world, with intention and preparation, share with them today's scripture and use it as an opportunity to talk about the ways God helps prepare you for life's battles. Your work ethic and attitude are a significant witness to others.
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