by Tim Hall

Who can blame Patricia Berg for being upset? In the early morning hours of June 29, she was awakened by noises. It sounded like someone was trying to open her sliding glass door, so she dialed 911 to request help. Her call was quickly answered, and for a few moments her concerns were noted. Then there was silence on the telephone. For almost two minutes there was no response from the man at the call center. Finally Patricia got his attention again, and police were summoned. Patricia is convinced the man responsible for arranging emergency response fell asleep at his post. An investigation is underway.

Sleep is a problem for many. So many things vie for our attention, and some of us find it difficult to break away and go to bed. Others have trouble sleeping because of medical problems. It's understandable when people nod off; most of us have experienced such times. But if you're a key person in a crisis situation, you've got to somehow find a way to remain alert.

The Christian's first response to this story is "I'm so thankful God is not that way." For the faithful, God is our 911 call center, the one to whom we turn in times of emergency. What if there was doubt about whether or not he was at his post? What if our prayers went unheeded as snoring was heard in heaven? But we have unshakable confidence that God is not that way. He never falls asleep at his post.

The psalmist affirmed this truth in Psalm 121: "I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:1-3, NKJV). No, God is not like people. People with good intentions can't always resist the urge to sleep. God, however, is always at his post. He's on call 24-7-365.

But Christians should not end their reflections on this news item just yet. God is faithful, yes, but what about those to whom he has entrusted the care of others? God has placed responsibilities for caring for other souls upon his people. Are Christians trying to show diligence at their posts?

Consider this statement of the Christian's responsibility: "Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord; looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God ..." (Hebrews 12:14,15). Diligence is what all 911 workers must have. It's also what Christians must exercise in their monitoring of one another. When a brother or sister in Christ sends signals of spiritual distress, is anyone in the family paying attention?

Here's another instance of the same charge: "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). The first Christian mentioned in this verse is in danger. Help is needed if that person is to survive. Will the "spiritual" be on call, though? Or will they be found snoozing while brethren are gasping nearby? Falling asleep at one's post is a serious matter.

Patricia Berg is okay. Police did not find any evidence of attempted entry into her townhouse. But if the danger had been real, she might not have survived - because someone was asleep at their post. How many have died spiritually because their brethren were not alert to their cries for help? What do we expect God to say to such sleepyheads?