Muslim Faith

I was out in the park the other day, when I witnessed something totally inspirational. I saw two guys staring at a carpet. Then they got down on their knees and bowed. They sat up, then bowed again.

It took me a minute to realize that I was watching them pray. To Allah.

Awesome.

These guys were still in their business clothes. In a dirty alleyway behind a nasty building. Most likely, they've been harassed for their faith and practices. They probably still had things to finish up before they got home. But none of this stopped them. No, they dropped everything at work to pray to their god.

Muslims pray five times a day. Everyday. At the same time.

Period.

There are no exceptions, no exemptions, no excuses. Muslims put the entire world on hold for a few minutes five separate times a day! Some days, I don't even pray for five minutes! (Yeah, I admit it)

I want that kind of faith. I want that kind of dedication. I want that kind of church. The Muslim faith has undergone such persecution over the years, and yet they still remain consistent in prayer and lifestyle as a community. As a Christian church, we can't even unify over the carpet choice in our sanctuaries.

On a more personal level, subscribers of the Muslim faith will wake up at the butt-crack of dawn to pray. I can't even wake up 30 minutes early to do a little devotion! How absurd is that? I'm willing to bet that a large portion of Christians today pray three times a day...breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Muslims study and even memorize large portions of the Quran. How many of us even read the Bible on a daily basis? (Guilty) As the confirmation students at my church were studying the books of the Bible, I discovered that I couldn't even name them all in order! And I'm a theology major!

Muslims wear different clothes. They practice different lifestyles. They eat different foods. Their entire lives revolve around their faith. They aren't afraid to show everybody what they stand for. I'm not saying that we need to separate ourselves from the world, but I am pointing out the fact that we can't be afraid to be bold about our faith.

In his book, Don't Waste Your Life, John Piper says; "If we desire that there be no boasting except in the cross, (Galatians 6:14) then we must live near the cross-indeed we must live on the cross."

I want a life dedicated to Christ. My whole life. Every breath. Every word. Every action. Everything, for my God, Creator, and Redeemer.

I want a unified Church. One vision. One mission. A Church that supports and loves all members instead of judging and excluding.

I want a Muslim level faith.