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Permission has been given by the author
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September 18, 2003 -- One of the great problems facing Christians today is finding the time to practice their faith. The world in which we live is so busy; so time consuming; so hectic; that most people have difficulty in finding the time to study the Bible and pray.

It seems that each day becomes more and more filled with activities for the children; school functions; and just running here and there.

All of these things can be a distraction to doing what God is calling a person to do that day. It has reached the point that even Sunday mornings are being taken by soccer games; band practices; airport fly-ins and other events. And so,what falls by the wayside: God and church attendance!

This desire to be entertained has reached even into the church. Churches are now expected to have ball teams, bowling leagues, dances, parties, ski trips, and visits to theme parks to keep the young people interested. People are looking for the churches thatprovide the most programs, dinners, and recreational opportunities for them with little interest being paid to the type of worship offered. The question seems to be "What can the church do for me" rather than how can I worship and give reverence to God. The concept of service to God's work and our fellow man has given way to "What's in it for me?"

It is tragic that we have become an entertainment oriented society with sporting events and watching television taking up most of our after work hours. It is unbelievable how television has changed our society and way of life. In many homes, it has become a baby sitter rather than the parents spending time with the children. Television programming today is being used by many different groups to further their causes and alter the beliefs of the viewer. Tragically, it is working. Nudity, profanity, sexual promiscuousness, and blasphemy, which were totally unacceptable a few years ago, are now accepted as normal by the average television viewer.

Magazine and television advertisements pander to the most prurient interests of people. Unfortunately, the public's addiction to television keeps them watching even though there are more important things to be done.

As we sit idly by and watch, Satan is working to bring about his will in the lives of the American people. No nation has ever been as entertained as the United States and if Christians don't become more involved our children and grandchildren will be living in a world of debauchery like Sodom and Gomorrah. And we will wonder, " How did this happen?" but never ask ourselves where were we when all this took place!

Max R Tyner, Pastor
Good Shepherd Evangelical Church
Geronimo, Texas
Email: mtyner@mail.nbtx.com