The Photo Booth

Do you remember the photo booth? Back in the day when you would drop in a few coins and crawl in this booth that would take three pictures about two seconds apart? Then it would print out the results right then and there. Well, when we went on a Family Life Cruise one memorable February, they had one in operation. We pondered, how should we go about it? Do we act serious, smile, or face each other? Not a chance, we hopped right in there without a plan and sure enough it printed out three pretty goofy pictures. However, we proudly hung this picture sequence on the fridge as it reflected “our identity” in that moment of time.

A Spontaneous Image

Is our spiritual life like this sometimes when we might go about life, unprepared for a “faith” snapshot at any given time? Now I admit, the results of going into the photo booth unprepared did not give us eternal ramifications, just a print of three memorable pictures. It made me think though, if I took a snapshot of my faith right now, would it show I was ready to meet Jesus? If not how about two seconds from now?

We do not have time to procrastinate, and we for sure are not going to be warned when our time is near. That’s why we need to always have our house in order (Isaiah 38:1). Would you be ready to get a spontaneous snapshot of your faith?

Prepare for God’s Photo Booth

The Bible tells us that we must prepare ourselves spiritually. We can do that by putting on spiritual armor to protect ourselves from spiritual attack; “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11). Also by preparing our minds for holy living;“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13).

Or by making sure we’re always prepared to answer questions about the reason for the hope we possess; “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15). Finally by ensuring that we are ready for the promised return of Jesus; “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44).

Faith Photo Booth

With Christ, we know our snapshot will turn out heavenly, and know we are prepared. The  photo booth picture taken in that spontaneous moment will reveal the faith in our heart. Are you prepared to hang that image on the “fridge” to proudly display so everyone can see?

Lord, I know you can see the image I portray everyday. Help me live each moment, each day, like it is my last. Help me to always be ready to enter your kingdom, knowing that in my heart, my faith snapshot is going to be my eternal picture. Amen.