Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder hits epidemic proportions among 80% of church goers!

“We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first.” – Oswald J. Smith

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is more frequently diagnosed now than ever before, I believe because medical science has in more recent times come to a better understanding of the behavior. And, the truth of the matter is that some kids are not just being mean or naughty because they want to, but because they have to--yeah, you read me right.

Now, if you have the patience (which is a polite way of saying, if you don't suffer from a severe case of ADHD) perhaps it would be helpful to read a good definition of the disorder. Here it is –

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able control behavior, or a combination of these. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for a person's age and development.

Boring, isn’t it? Yet, I dare say that more poor innocent souls (particularly that of children) have been harmed by those in authority not understanding the problem. Parents get frustrated. Even some pastors scold unruly kids from the pulpit—but since that is not the politically correct thing to do these days, you see less of that; although, most will admit that usually the first thought that enters their mind if they are entirely honest  is, ‘We have a moral problem here. Someone needs to sit that kid down and give them a good scolding.’ There was a time, when there was a problem years ago, that in severe cases so-called demons were cast out once nothing else seemed to work. According to a most recent documentary that I watched on one of the news channels, exorcism is still practiced on kids in countries that I prefer not to name as it is simply not fair to do so. Reminds me of the Salem witch trials in colonial Massachusetts colonial back in the late 1700's. Wrong then, and wrong now—that’s for sure.

Why is it that we religious often—perhaps, most often—have a tendency to demonize any and every thing that appears to be just a little bit off center from our worldview? Well, in my opinion, it is because we don’t really want the responsibility or take the time to understand the real cause. Then if we do—here I go again—ADHD sets in. Yep, that’s right, but this time it us.

Ask the average professing Christian (now, I’m talking about that statistical 80% of church goers who just sit on the sidelines as spectators and do nothing, or very little at the most) and you will get a blank stare and then have to listen to a fumbled excuse as to why they cannot at this moment get involved … perhaps, later, but not right now.

Am I right on target? Sure, you know I’m right.

Years ago, I preached a sermon which I entitled, ‘Commission Immunity.’ The thought was that just like in medicine we find that immunity sets in when Christians are over exposed to the challenge of missions. Mention missions, or a new building program, or launching a new evangelistic effort to reach the lost, support a feeding program or minister to derelicts wandering aimlessly on our city streets, and you get that stare—that 80% stare which ends up with a lame excuse that says, “I want to. I know I ought to. But I am really too busy, right now. Perhaps, later.”

Attention deficit disorder, pure and simple. What is really being said is, “I really can’t multitask because I can stay interested or committed long enough to do so. Got too much on my platter.” So, what do they do? Well, at best they throw a few extra bucks in the offering plate, hoping that that will atone for their negligence. But don’t get your hopes up, it’s only pocket change. Thank God for pocket change, however. It will put a gallon or two worth of gas in some missionaries or church vans fuel tank. Every little bit helps. But that is not the point. The point is that we cannot buy our way out of our God ordained obligations.

Now, please understand that I am not attaching hardworking skilled laborers, moonlighting just to make ends meet. No, not at all. And, I don’t have that focused entrepreneur in mind, either. This is not a generic blanket thrown out there condemning each and every one that on surface appears to fit snuggly into that proverbial 80% that I mentioned. Again, no not at all! I am not talking about or asking anyone to fit into my mold of what I think is the proper level of involvement that you or they should be involved in. As a matter of fact, there are many hard working Christians anonymously involved in any number of worthy causes. And, I must say that as a father I am tremendously proud of our children who—if the real truth were known—have never sought the limelight but have contributed significantly in both time and money for some very worthy causes; yet for the most part have do so under the radar of public recognition. That goes for some wealthy businessmen that I happen to know who down through the years have worked and given to charitable causes anonymously down through the years. I commend them for that. This also goes for those dear souls with limited income who give what they can, and pray as they ought.

What I am saying however—really as more of a caution, than a rebuke—is take care, stay focused, or as the old Texas saying goes, “Keep your hand on the plow. Your eyes on the row ahead. And keep plowing.” Eventually, if you do, you will get the job done, and missions and the church will be the better for it; and for certain, so will the rest of the world, including you.

I am yours for the journey,