Alarm clocks take an awful lot of abuse. No one likes to hear the sound they make whether it’s a shrill shriek or a gentle burble. When something wakes me from a comfortable slumber, I am angry.

But it doesn’t make sense to take out my frustrations on my poor alarm clock. For one thing, I told it to wake me up. For another thing, it is doing me a great service by reminding me of the important duty I have to get out of bed for.

One duty of church leaders and mentors is to act like a kind of alarm clock. When sin has crept its way into my life, it may feel comfortable and cozy. I may not notice that I am sinking deeper and deeper. If I am fortunate to have surrounded myself by loving followers of Christ who are willing to keep me accountable, they will sound the alarm.

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.”
‭‭(1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬-‭13,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

When someone admonishes me about sin in my life, I hope my reaction will be better than my treatment of my alarm clock. For reminding me of my important duty to love others, they deserve my recognition, high regard and sincere gratitude.

Dear God,

Thank you for putting people in my life that endeavored to help me keep my priorities straight. Forgive me for the times when I have not reacted well. Teach me how to be a loving alarm clock for others as well.