For the first time in the history of mankind, the 21st century will probably be the era of the greatest changes for our generation. We have reached a point where the consumer can not only choose which good or service to purchase but, amidst the increasing materialism and stresses of modern capitalist society, what spiritual values to hold on to.
Those who espouse and champion freedom of choice without any obligation to anchor their desires to a set of ethical values will find their element in this century.
But at the same time, this is the century of change in the widest sense of the term. There will be changes in the weather, changes in the economy, changes in international relations, changes in politics, changes in the family and most importantly, changes in the spiritual life of man.
When we choose to take the wrong path, either unknowingly or willingly, we are faced with consequences that are many times more powerful than we could imagine. Why so? The reason is quite simple. For the first time in history, we have more knowledge at our disposal, a broader range of choices to make and more demands on our limited resources and time on earth. Invariably, greater knowledge comes with greater responsibility.
Where are our hearts and minds focused on, 24 hours a day, in wakefulness and in sleep? Is it in the pursuit of happiness, the hope of wealth, the waiting for God’s provisions or the seeking of something which can fulfill the thirst in our souls? How do we know whether we have chosen the wrong path or are walking in the right one?
It is said in the Bible that to know a tree, we are to know its fruits. We know whether we have taken the right path by not only reaching the destination but also by what we experience along the way. Is it a walk of quiet joyfulness, of endurance and painstaking perseverance or is it a walk through a dark forest filled with strange entertainment, confusion, false promises, temptations and ultimately a walk to the gates of perdition?
Ultimately, do we walk with God or do we walk alone? Do we start our days with a list of what we want or ask God what He wants? Do we handle unexpected crises and challenges with what we know or what God declares in His Word? Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only security we can find who will not cheat us and whose friendship will not fade with time or age. The Holy Spirit is the boat in which we can find refuge while on earth and which will take us to safe harbour in our eternal home in heaven.
Those who espouse and champion freedom of choice without any obligation to anchor their desires to a set of ethical values will find their element in this century.
But at the same time, this is the century of change in the widest sense of the term. There will be changes in the weather, changes in the economy, changes in international relations, changes in politics, changes in the family and most importantly, changes in the spiritual life of man.
When we choose to take the wrong path, either unknowingly or willingly, we are faced with consequences that are many times more powerful than we could imagine. Why so? The reason is quite simple. For the first time in history, we have more knowledge at our disposal, a broader range of choices to make and more demands on our limited resources and time on earth. Invariably, greater knowledge comes with greater responsibility.
Where are our hearts and minds focused on, 24 hours a day, in wakefulness and in sleep? Is it in the pursuit of happiness, the hope of wealth, the waiting for God’s provisions or the seeking of something which can fulfill the thirst in our souls? How do we know whether we have chosen the wrong path or are walking in the right one?
It is said in the Bible that to know a tree, we are to know its fruits. We know whether we have taken the right path by not only reaching the destination but also by what we experience along the way. Is it a walk of quiet joyfulness, of endurance and painstaking perseverance or is it a walk through a dark forest filled with strange entertainment, confusion, false promises, temptations and ultimately a walk to the gates of perdition?
Ultimately, do we walk with God or do we walk alone? Do we start our days with a list of what we want or ask God what He wants? Do we handle unexpected crises and challenges with what we know or what God declares in His Word? Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only security we can find who will not cheat us and whose friendship will not fade with time or age. The Holy Spirit is the boat in which we can find refuge while on earth and which will take us to safe harbour in our eternal home in heaven.
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