Every moment of every day we are surrounded by change.
We live in a time when nothing stays the same for very long (except maybe a Baptist church tradition). We marvel at all the technological advancements of our day. However, the technology that is new today will be outdated by the time you read this article. It seems as if the world changes before our eyes each day.
No one could argue that values and morals in America have changed. The outlook and worldview of many people, even in the pews of our churches, have changed over recent years. That which was once considered right is now promoted in our world as being wrong, while that which was always considered wrong is now promoted as being what is right.
Scores of people have been swept into a seismic shift in core biblical values and morals, even concerning the most basic tenets of faith. We see people who are “deconstructing” their faith from the pulpits of America.
Meanwhile, more and more people are seeking a religious experience with a god while neglecting a personal relationship with the one, true God!
Hallmark
Not only have the values and morals in America changed, but people seem to be more confused than they have ever been. The politically correct police stand on ready at every social media post to attack anyone or anything that does not line up with whatever their favorite stance of the day might be.
To disagree in our society is to be seen as being intolerant, uncaring and discriminatory. Gender is confused. The role one plays in society is confusing. What to say, how to act, or how to react are all confusing.
All of this change and all of this confusion has created chaos. We live in a world where the school of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville is targeted by a disturbed woman and six people lost their lives.
Yet, for the most part people across the country and in the media are silent about the loss of life so as to not offend someone. Or, the focus is one that becomes political, rather than one that is spiritual.
Disunity, divisions and disagreements in families, on teams, at the work place and even in the church among the people of God have become some of the chief characteristics of our lives. The result is emotional, relational and physical chaos. No wonder so many people are stressed out, burdened and filled with anxiety. No wonder the church is so weak and the level of effective discipleship of her members is so anemic.
Yet, these days surrounding the Easter celebration remind us that regardless of the change, confusion and chaos of our world and in our lives, we still serve a risen Christ!
What we get in a growing relationship with Jesus is stability in an unstable world. I love the words in Hebrews 13:8 which says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (CSB).”
Wow! What encouraging and powerful words for us to remember, rejoice in and make relevant in our own lives. The world is changing, but Jesus is unchanging. His love is unchanging. His power is unchanging. His commands are unchanging.
The world may be confused, but Jesus brings us clarity as we read His Word and follow His Will.
The world may be in chaos, but ultimately Jesus is in control! Why? He is “the same yesterday, today and forever!” Praise the Lord! B&R — Hallmark is pastor of First Baptist Church, Lexington.
