Change

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. (Hebrews 13:7-9 ESV). There have been many opinions offered since the national election. No matter which party you voted with, there is a feeling of unrest in our country. I am prompted to think of how often this feeling of unrest has resulted in changes. Our recent history has been punctuated by cries to discard the past. This is true politically, economically, and socially. Legal battles have raged concerning the traditional use of language in our schools, our courts, and our legislature. Facing us is once again the decision whether to use “God” in the pledge or not. It is a result of a reexamination of our past. This reexamination has also resulted in some going in search of their roots. There is renewed interest in personal history as we search out our genealogies. For most, this quest has become a wonderful exercise in history. I wonder if we are learning from the past? I am afraid that most of the time I am forced to the conclusion that we are not learning from our past. In the last forty years the US population has increased 41%. But government spending on the various social issues is five times as much. Yet during the same thirty-year period, violent crimes have increased by 560%. Illegitimate births are up 419%. And teenage suicide has increased 200%. Not only so, the divorce rate has quadrupled. And now only 30% of the children in the US live with both of their biological parents. Interestingly enough, during this same period we have witnessed an incredible erosion of biblical faith in the public arena. The Ten Commandments are in less evidence. Public prayer, calling upon God for guidance and blessing, has been virtually silenced. Debates on moral values grounded in eternal truth are seldom heard. If we are interested in addressing political, economic, and social issues, it's time to search out our biblical heritage. After all, we are called to remember it. Our reading this morning is a clear call to remember how we have been taught. The answer is not in discarding the heritage of our past, but in honest evaluation of our values. If the past is indeed founded on a faulty understanding of the person and presence of God, then change is necessary. However, if we are changing our direction away from dependence on God and His will for our lives, then the result will be certain disaster. These are days that demand our voice and our support. Don’t be caught silent in the face of a vocal minority seeking to alter the fabric of our faith.