SOS

SOS is a universally recognized signal for someone under distress and needing help. It was created around 1905 and replaced another code that was less ambiguous. SOS is 3 dots, 3 dashes and 3 more dots on the telegraph which made it easy to send and recognize back in that time. We have other ways of communicating now but SOS is still a constant that is understood worldwide.

Another constant for each of us is that we all face distress and need varying forms of help from time to time. We have all experienced the blessing of both receiving and giving help - with both parties being blessed in the process. Some of the times that we need help, the situation is unavoidable (i.e. a sickness). Other times we find ourselves in the ditch by our own doing. Either way, the face of help coming our way is a grand sight.

Our Pastor at Amelia today preached a sermon on SOS and I wanted to share some thoughts from it. I believe that following this simple pattern of SOS in our lives will help us to avoid some distressing situations as well as prepare us to help others in their time of need.

S - Study the Word. This seems so elementary to mature believers but yet we all struggle with consistency in doing this. There are a million reasons why it doesn’t happen but the bottom line is that if we are too busy to dive into the written Word of God, then we are too busy. Reject lukewarm living by staying near the fire. God’s Word is alive and ready speak to us. The discipline of doing it will grow into desire.

O - Obey the Word. The desire to live a life of obedience is the evidence of a saving faith. It shows that we have both a Savior and a Lord. Disobedience is a Lordship issue - a fight over control in our lives. The law provides the standards for our behavior, the gospel provides the motivation for our behavior.

S - Share the Word. We cannot give away what we don’t already have. If we have it, then we will want to give it away. Sharing God’s truths looks different for all of us. We have different platforms, different personalities and are provided with different opportunities. We all have a role in the Great Commission and sharing the source of joy in our lives with others is a part of our faith journey. The stronger our faith, the bolder we will be.

Apply SOS in your life this week. Study - Obey - Share.

Stay hungry,

Big E

Matt. 5:6