Are you looking for change? You'll never find it in political promises or New Year's resolutions, but you can find real, lasting, positive change if you're willing to look to the right source.
In difficult times it's a very popular word. It was the rallying cry that carried President Obama into the White House one year ago. And as this year began, change was on the minds of many as they made New Year's resolutions to change things about themselves this coming year.
Change happens when we decide that we don't like the path we're following, and judging by the amount of change the world is calling for, many people fear we are on the wrong path.
The President's approval ratings have been changing as well. He came into office with a Presidential Approval Index of 28. Twelve short months later and it's fluctuating around negative 18. As one article put it, "Just as Obama was a magnet for Americans wanting change just one year ago, he is now attracting the anger of those who are unhappy with where the country is heading."
Many formerly hopeful Americans are disappointed because they don't see the external changes they were promised, and on a personal level, New Years resolutions are falling by the wayside as those who made them fail to see the internal change they wanted either.
Two things are clear: that people want change, and that wanting change is not enough.
Is substantive change even possible? And is there anyone we can genuinely depend upon to deliver it?
The answer, to both questions, is "Yes." The message of the Bible is all about change. When we seek God, we leave behind who we were to become who we can be. It means walking in what is called "newness of life" (Romans 6:4) and being "transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). The whole message of God's plan for you and me and for all of mankind could be summarized by the word "change."
While it's encouraging to know that God will help us make lasting and meaningful changes, it doesn't stop there. God's word also promises real, worldwide change—not just change in ourselves, but all across the planet. Among other things, we are promised that one day, "the desert shall…blossom as the rose" (Isaiah 35:1) and that "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing" (Isaiah 35:5-6).
These changes are not just metaphors, they're real, they're sure and they're coming.
So: are you still looking for change?
You'll never find it in political promises or New Year's resolutions, but you can find real, lasting, positive change if you're willing to look to the right source.
In difficult times it's a very popular word. It was the rallying cry that carried President Obama into the White House one year ago. And as this year began, change was on the minds of many as they made New Year's resolutions to change things about themselves this coming year.
Change happens when we decide that we don't like the path we're following, and judging by the amount of change the world is calling for, many people fear we are on the wrong path.
The President's approval ratings have been changing as well. He came into office with a Presidential Approval Index of 28. Twelve short months later and it's fluctuating around negative 18. As one article put it, "Just as Obama was a magnet for Americans wanting change just one year ago, he is now attracting the anger of those who are unhappy with where the country is heading."
Many formerly hopeful Americans are disappointed because they don't see the external changes they were promised, and on a personal level, New Years resolutions are falling by the wayside as those who made them fail to see the internal change they wanted either.
Two things are clear: that people want change, and that wanting change is not enough.
Is substantive change even possible? And is there anyone we can genuinely depend upon to deliver it?
The answer, to both questions, is "Yes." The message of the Bible is all about change. When we seek God, we leave behind who we were to become who we can be. It means walking in what is called "newness of life" (Romans 6:4) and being "transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). The whole message of God's plan for you and me and for all of mankind could be summarized by the word "change."
While it's encouraging to know that God will help us make lasting and meaningful changes, it doesn't stop there. God's word also promises real, worldwide change—not just change in ourselves, but all across the planet. Among other things, we are promised that one day, "the desert shall…blossom as the rose" (Isaiah 35:1) and that "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing" (Isaiah 35:5-6).
These changes are not just metaphors, they're real, they're sure and they're coming.
So: are you still looking for change?
You'll never find it in political promises or New Year's resolutions, but you can find real, lasting, positive change if you're willing to look to the right source.
1 comment:
Obama's desire to repeal "Don't ask, don't tell" can actually help to fulfill the "days of Lot" (Luke 17, cf. Gen. 19), the fulfillment of which will hurry up the return of the Heavenly Commander-in-Chief who will make all things straight (pun intended)! Interesting Google articles include "Obama Supports Public Depravity," "Obama Avoids Bible Verses," "Separation of Raunch and State" and "David Letterman's Hate Etc." - required reading for the "Obama 101" course.
PS - You're invited to use these new pro-life slogans: "Unborn babies should have the right to keep and bear arms - and legs and ears and eyes etc.!" and "Unborn babies should have the same right to be born alive that abortionists had!"
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