Changing Times

I once heard a statement that people want progress without change. That just can’t happen because to have progress there must be a change that has to take place. There certainly is a lot of change going on today with this worldwide pandemic; I’m not quite sure how much progress is being made. Bob Dylan wrote a song in the 60’s entitled, “Times They Are A Changin'.”

This is what one of the stanzas says: "Come senators, congressmen, please heed the call. Don't stand in the doorway, don't block up the hall; For he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled. The battle outside ragin' will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls, for the times they are a-changin'."    

That title and stanza certainly seems very fitting in these days we are living in; everything seems to be changing. There is so much uncertainty in what you can and cannot do, how and even if you should protect yourself, and everyone has an opinion on what you should or shouldn't be doing. 

We normally get a physical exam once a year, so how about a yearly spiritual exam? It is very beneficial in our Christian life to do a frequent analysis to see how we are changing. Are we being conformed more into the likeness of Christ, or do we look more like the world? Do we exhibit more love, joy, and peace, or is there more contention, sorrow, and fear? We need to do an honest evaluation because none of us are the same person we were 10 years ago or even last year. We have changed, and I don't just mean from a physical perspective. How has our relationship with the Lord changed? Are we closer or more distant? Do we spend more time in fellowship with Him or less?

If we find ourselves more distant and less dependent on God than we used to be, He gave us a promise in James 4:8, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." So, if you find yourself distant, draw near. But, if your intimacy with Christ is improving, don't become prideful or judgmental of others. Enjoy your fellowship and continue to desire to be closer to Him in all aspects of life. 

Everything changes, except our Lord. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is never a-changin'.

Pastor Marty