Wednesday; May 31

One of the challenges of studying the scriptures is trying to apply timeless principles to modern times. Let’s face it, today’s world does not look like it did in the 1st Century AD … or the 1500’s … or even the 1950s – but does that mean that the Word of God is not applicable in the same way as it was then? Can we dismiss some of the message of the New Testament just because it doesn’t appear relevant in the 21st Century? Should we scrap the words of wisdom written by commentators throughout Christian history because nobody thinks that way today? Do we give up on programs that were effective when we were children because the children of today have been raised differently?

I find it interesting that we feel like the world is changing at such a rapid pace today. Sure, there are things that are different than they were a few years ago, but times have always changed. Imagine how much things changed when electricity became common in homes and buildings or when common people could afford automobiles. Yet, maybe one of the biggest differences in the history of man was when the Bible became available to the masses. Let’s be careful to discount truth just because of the changes in modern society because one constant motto throughout the ages is, “The time’s; they are a’changin’.”

The great thing about the Bible is that its Author is also the Master of the ages. It doesn’t matter the environment, truth is truth. The Bible reminds us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17). Let’s not discount the truth by saying it doesn’t apply to today. If that was the case, it would have never applied at any time in history.

Think About It!

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday; November 29

The biblical story of the Good Samaritan has changed our world. Notice I didn’t say that it had change religion or even Christianity, it has influenced the world. There are very few people who don’t know the moral of Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan. In fact, the phrase has become a common description of everyday people doing good to their neighbors. While Jesus’ parable from Luke 10 shares several spiritual lessons, one of the most practical is that good can be done by anyone. You don’t have to be a church official to do good, it is not only possible for each one of us to help, it is required of all of us. If a Samaritan can be good, so can we! After presenting the parable, Jesus asked the man who had originally asked the question about being a good neighbor which character in the story was a good neighbor, “… he said, ‘The one who showed mercy toward him.’” at which point, the discussion from theoretical to personal, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’” (Luke
Read more

Thursday; January 12

The other day I was watching a television show that used a rather common term applied to overcoming challenges. When organizations experience unexpected setbacks – especially when they lose key people – they rely upon the concept of “Next Man Up”. In essence, when our starters (or stars) go down, effective organizations rely upon their next levels to step into the vacancy. While this is an effective response, have we given much thought as to how we prepare to be the “next people up”? First, we must know our job. Even when we aren’t the primary players, we need to be preparing ourselves to be ready when we get the opportunity to shine. Second, we must do our best when we get the chance. Knowledge is important but what turns potential into talent is effort. Yet, maybe the most underappreciated aspect of this concept is a willingness avoid excuse-making and whining about the unfairness of our situation. When we complain about the circumstances that caused the need for replacements
Read more

Monday; September 25

When I was a youngster, I remember hearing about this thing called the Generation Gap. I was a little bit too young to be active in the social movements of the 1960s, but I do remember listening to the challenges the generations were experiencing way back then. Interestingly, now that I have been on both sides of the aging process, I have to admit that the Gap of the 1960s was nothing new. With the development of each generation comes conflict. The young people don’t feel like the older people understand them and the older folks tend to believe their input is being underappreciated. Too often trust is the casualty when two generations collide. The sad thing is that it doesn’t have to be this way. When we can capture the innovation and energy of the younger folks and harness the wisdom of those who have been around for a while we can develop a winning combination. No, we won’t always see things eye-to-eye nor will we necessarily speak the same emotional language, but when we app
Read more