Mormons, Muslims, and Me

I recently read a book that told a story of a young lady in a youth group who was longing for something deeper in her spiritual walk. Unfortunately, what was being offered to her at her church was a very surface level, fun driven youth ministry. As fate would have it, she began to date a young man who happened to be Mormon. This young man was one of the most intelligent students in her class and was very interested in spiritual matters. Many people do not realize it, but the Mormons offer daily Bible study classes before school. This young man met at his church with a few other of the faithful at 5:30 AM to study scripture and LDS doctrine before heading off to school. She had a choice: Another pizza party at her church, or look for someone to answer her deepest questions.

            In larger cities, outside of the Bible belt, it would not be a surprise to find a devout Muslim with his mat unrolled on the ground, facing east, praying. I did a google search on Muslim prayer times. The times of the prayers are coordinated with the sun, so the times depend on your coordinates, as well as the day of the year in which you should be praying. The chart gave the specific time, down to the minute, for each of the six prayer times. It amazes me, the amount of dedication it would take to pinpoint the exact minute, drop everything that you are doing, roll out a prayer mat, and begin praying in any type of weather condition.

            Then I look at myself. What am I doing? If I believe that the God of the Bible is the one true God, and that the Mormons and Muslims are incorrect in their theology, why do our devotional lives seem to be flipped? Why do we not have morning Bible studies to learn about the God who can be known? I realize that Jesus spoke against praying in order to be seen, but is there any doubt that a man kneeling on a mat in a public square is a Muslim? Could someone look at you, what you are carrying, watch your actions, and know what you believe? Based on your actions, appearance, and accessories, what would they say you believe in? For many, unfortunately, they might think you believe in God, but that it plays an insignificant role in your life.

            After discussions with our youth, I have found that many are frustrated with the recent court proceedings surrounding prayer in public schools. Teachers are being hamstrung in what they can do and say, but the students still have free reign. Students can say and do whatever they want about their faith. The ball is in your court. What will you do with it? Who among the Ferris Hillians will begin to attend a morning Bible study? Who will start a morning Bible study if one doesn’t exist? Who will be more proactive in their faith? Who will let their faith be known?