Confession #58: I need to give up me

Tomorrow is supposed to be the end of the world according to Harold Camping.

I know nothing about him, and I know hardly anything about his prediciton, except that he is claims to know that “the end” will be May 21, 2011 at about 6pm.

This post is not going to discuss the absurdity of the prediction. Time will do a better job of that than I can.

Some respond with ridicule. Others respond in belief. I read about one man who quit his job to drive a truck around with a banner proclaiming May 21, 2011 as being the day of judgment.

He not only abandoned his income, but also other important things in his life. He specifically said in a news article, “My favorite hobby is raccoon hunting, but I’ve had to give that up. This is more important.”

Another couple I read about that believe the prediction decided to spend their entire savings. They are assuring their spot in the rapture by living it up before the end. Their belief in “the end” resulted in spending every penny. Thankfully they did not tell us what they spent it on.

I am trying to decide whether or not I should be relieved by either response. One could make the argument that giving up raccoon hunting is a good thing and for the betterment of the soul.

In all of this ruckus, have you asked yourself what you would give up if you believed that God was returning tomorrow?

This prediction reminds me of a quote that I heard at Catalyst from Christine Caine. She said, “The goal of life is not to arrive at death safely.”

The statement hit me hard. So much of what I do and what I am is centered around providing comfort for myself.

Ultimately, what would God want from us whether we knew the world was going to end tomorrow or some other day? I think that he wants us to give up our idols and worship and love him alone as God.

There are many idols in my own life. All of these smaller idols all point back to one great idol.

That idol is me.

Taking the liberty to round down, I would approximate that 99.9% of my life has been motivated by my worshipping the idol of myself.

Whether God judges the world tomorrow or another day, I plan on giving up the same thing. I hope by his help to give up me.

What would you give up? Have you heard any crazy stories about tomorrow? Do you believe Camping?

If any of your friends strangely disappear never to be heard from again, please let the rest of us know.