Tuesday; October 23

Last weekend Jeane and I made a trip to Washington D. C.   What an incredible city filled with wonderful buildings and spaces – but, maybe the most impressive thing is the collection of knowledge contained in that city.  Many architects of the mind have their works on display there as well.  One of the places we visited was the Jefferson Memorial.  As I stood the rotunda, I was surrounded by words of a man who became the voice of a revolution of thought.  As I looked at Thomas Jefferson’s concepts I was intrigued by this one:  “I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions. But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with progress of the human mind as that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change.  With the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times.  We might as well require a man to wear still the coach which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.”  It is easy to see why this man was chosen to help pen the documents of our independence.
          As I pondered this observation, I was both challenged and troubled.  You see, while I tend to agree with Jefferson’s thought when it comes to some issues, it is not an absolute truth.  Yes, human institutions should be willing to change as we grow and develop, but when it comes to God’s perfect way we must remain stalwart.  God’s message of salvation and purity was perfect when it was handed down to the inspired writers – there is no need for it to change.  The early church was reminded, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  (Hebrews 13:7-8).  We cannot improve on perfection.
          Let’s seek to get better and develop into whoever we can be, but let’s remember that what we received from heaven is as good as it gets.  We are blessed and we can be confident.       
          Think About It

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