God in the changing world
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (NIV) Heb. 13:8
There is a saying that the ONLY constant in life is “change”. Everything keeps changing with the passage of time. Things that seemed impossible centuries ago are now easy to do even by kids. The advent of science and technology has transformed the universe and all aspects of life into a new state where many natural occurrences are being explained and exploited to ease life on earth. All these have effects on the way man worships God. The effects can be both positive and negative.
Christians face many challenges in the modern world. The problems of constant change we see and experience can even confuse some people and the way they see God. Just imagine the great contrast of life in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. In the midst of constant change, we must remember that: God does not change (Mal. 3:6; Num. 23:19). The Bible does not change (Matt. 24:35) and the church, as God conceived and produced it, does not change (Hebrews 12:28).
The standards of morality keep changing. People are now their own gods and set their own standards. Now, morality is relative. But God’s moral requirements have not changed. But we are witnessing changes in the standards of dressing, speech, and relationships (I Corinthians 6:18). In the midst of all this, we must still live Christian lives in a sinful changing world.
We all face changing work ethics. God expects able-bodied people to work to help themselves and help others (Genesis 2:15; 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). But many seem to believe the world owes them a living. Due to this, some engage in all sinful ways to obtain physical wealth. Ephesians 4:28 still applies; thieves should steal no more and work with their hands.
Frequent family breakdown is another new practice. God expects permanency in marriage. The only cause whereby innocent victims can divorce and remarry is marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9). However, the divorce rate is around 50%. Many now marry with no commitment.
Changes taking place around us are so rapid and diverse. These changes forced upon us many challenges as Christians which demand our effort, interest, emotions and more. To face these challenges as Christians, we must be STRONG in the Lord, grow in knowledge (2 Peter 3:18), pray continuously (I Thessalonians 5:17) and fight the good fight of faith (I Timothy 6:12).
We cannot stop the change from happening but Christians can position ourselves to live for Christ and also influence others for Christ. To become a Christian to sail through this changing uncertain world, hear the word of God, believe, repent, confess Christ, be baptized into God’s church and be faithful to Christ (Revelation 2:10). Amen.