Alert and Oriented or Unresponsive?

When I was young Hospital Corpsman, I used to have ambulance duty. Often we were called out to someone who was unresponsive. That means they were not conscious, and we had to find out whether they had deceased or were still breathing or had a pulse. One of the most rewarding and fascinating things that happen, during this time, is the person who has become unresponsive due to hypoglycemia, which means their blood sugar is very low. It’s hard to diagnose them, but when they are given a shot of glucose, they almost immediately come alive. It’s the most rewarding sight. I wonder what it takes for believers to become responsive?  Many people who call themselves Christians today are suffering from hypoglycemia, or the spiritual equivalent, a lack of the vital substance which sustains us, faith. It’s like what is recorded in Luke: ” To what then should I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the market-place and calling to each other: We played a flute for you, but you didn’t dance; we sang a lament, but you didn’t weep! Luke 7:31-32 Our Lord is telling us: We go to church on Sunday, but are not filled with strength and encouragement. We pray but are not filled with renewed hope.  We minister but not with conviction. We proclaim, but not with power. How can those who need to see the hope that is in Christ on a daily basis out in the world, find hope if it is not found in the believer?  How can they know that Jesus is the answer to their problems, if we are filled with the same problems.  Isn’t it time brother and sister, to arise from our slumber, and be the one who raises our candle high, so that others can see the light of Christ, who lives in us, through the Holy Spirit. Isn’t it time that we put away the busyness of trying to be so much like the world that is overshadows our ministry? Isn’t it time that we let Christ reign in our bodies, let the faith that burns within us, reveal an even greater plan, the plan of salvation – for all? Isn’t it time to stop acting like those who hate us and start revealing a heart determined to be more like Christ, and less like the world.  Isn’t it time?  Let’s not be caught unresponsive, but be filled with the Holy Spirit, responsive to every need.