Spiritual 911 is a term I use when something or someone ( usually a someone) is distracting us from receiving the spiritual help that we need. I usually give the example of the following:

You have been in a car accident and have sustained very serious and if not treated possibly life threatening injuries. There is a doctor on the scene that can help you but, your friend will not allow that doctor to get to you. The doctor is trying to push his way to get through but your friends are persistent that they talk to you. You are in jeopardy of certain doom if your “distraction” is not moved so you can receive the help you need. This is the very same thing that can happen in a church. You might be in the very place you need to be to hear the words you need to hear. But someone is wanting to talk. The pastor is trying to get you the help you need in order to “save” you, but friends won’t let the message through.You miss the very words that could save your spiritual life.

When I am through telling this story ( which I usually tell with good reason) I ask the ones I am talking to if they would be the kind of friend that would get in the way of the good doctor and let you die or are they a friend that would allow you to get the help you need and possibly learn something in the process. Bottom line…Would you let your friend die?

This is a pretty dramatic analogy, but sometimes the situation calls for graphic illustration to wake us up!