It seems like the word ‘change’ has become the defining word for most people today. In almost every conversation—change inevitably dominates the discussion. Indeed, one would be hard pressed to deny that ‘change’ is in the air. A simple Google search will unearth this startling reality: America, as well as the World, are engaged in a massive shift that will define not only our generation but future generations as well. In fact, President Barack Obama ran on ‘change’—leaving quite an impression on many during his campaign. The fact that President Obama invoked change and was embraced by the people is impressive. It is especially impressive when you consider that ‘change’ doesn’t necessarily excite people. People are uncomfortable with change. Of course I am aware that some changes are healthy, but for the most part people are uncomfortable with it. In America today, change is evident, and it is widespread. For example, from an economic viewpoint, gas prices dominate—fluctuating at speeds that deserve a citation. From a societal perspective, one will find that crassness is fast defining the folks’ point of reference. Morality continues to bleed uncontrollably, paving the way for immorality, the dominating force of our day. From a political vantage point, the upheaval is not that difficult to decipher. The Blue does not like the Red and unfortunately the bickering and fighting is endless. Much is on hold until the sides can agree on something. Meanwhile, religious change is deafening. It is becoming more and more unacceptable for anyone to advocate Christian principles, especially in public, because many find it repugnant and offensive. Christianity as a dominating point of reference (a point of reference by the way, which dominated the Founding Fathers’ thought process) is making way to a more ‘proper’ way: Religious equality. This simply means that Christians should embrace other religions like, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, etc., instead of thinking of themselves as ‘exclusive.’ Now, from a technological perspective, the benefits are enormous. The improvements in communication are exciting, while computers continue to amaze with the ability to process information. Change, is inevitable. Change is sometimes warranted, whether we like it or not. Change is a part of life. There are changes currently taking form and shape in your lives as I write this. Some of you in the last few years have had to endure some difficult times in your lives. Some have had to make some significant adjustments in the last year or so; some good, while others were hard to accept. Some of you have had to endure the loss of a loved one, while others lost jobs and have had to search for new ones. Through all of these changes, I am sure we have all questioned God’s loyalty and awareness of our situations. I don’t know why certain things happen the way they do. I wish I did. But I know this one thing: God is faithful and God is good. Whatever changes you are entrenched in currently, know this: God is with you, all the way through to the end. I leave you with these powerful words, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” [Deut. 31: 8].
"I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself" - Paul
Thursday, March 15, 2012
“Change?”
It seems like the word ‘change’ has become the defining word for most people today. In almost every conversation—change inevitably dominates the discussion. Indeed, one would be hard pressed to deny that ‘change’ is in the air. A simple Google search will unearth this startling reality: America, as well as the World, are engaged in a massive shift that will define not only our generation but future generations as well. In fact, President Barack Obama ran on ‘change’—leaving quite an impression on many during his campaign. The fact that President Obama invoked change and was embraced by the people is impressive. It is especially impressive when you consider that ‘change’ doesn’t necessarily excite people. People are uncomfortable with change. Of course I am aware that some changes are healthy, but for the most part people are uncomfortable with it. In America today, change is evident, and it is widespread. For example, from an economic viewpoint, gas prices dominate—fluctuating at speeds that deserve a citation. From a societal perspective, one will find that crassness is fast defining the folks’ point of reference. Morality continues to bleed uncontrollably, paving the way for immorality, the dominating force of our day. From a political vantage point, the upheaval is not that difficult to decipher. The Blue does not like the Red and unfortunately the bickering and fighting is endless. Much is on hold until the sides can agree on something. Meanwhile, religious change is deafening. It is becoming more and more unacceptable for anyone to advocate Christian principles, especially in public, because many find it repugnant and offensive. Christianity as a dominating point of reference (a point of reference by the way, which dominated the Founding Fathers’ thought process) is making way to a more ‘proper’ way: Religious equality. This simply means that Christians should embrace other religions like, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, etc., instead of thinking of themselves as ‘exclusive.’ Now, from a technological perspective, the benefits are enormous. The improvements in communication are exciting, while computers continue to amaze with the ability to process information. Change, is inevitable. Change is sometimes warranted, whether we like it or not. Change is a part of life. There are changes currently taking form and shape in your lives as I write this. Some of you in the last few years have had to endure some difficult times in your lives. Some have had to make some significant adjustments in the last year or so; some good, while others were hard to accept. Some of you have had to endure the loss of a loved one, while others lost jobs and have had to search for new ones. Through all of these changes, I am sure we have all questioned God’s loyalty and awareness of our situations. I don’t know why certain things happen the way they do. I wish I did. But I know this one thing: God is faithful and God is good. Whatever changes you are entrenched in currently, know this: God is with you, all the way through to the end. I leave you with these powerful words, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” [Deut. 31: 8].
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