People change. We’ve already discussed how we change physically over time. But people also change in beliefs and character and in many other ways. Sometimes these changes are for the good, sometimes bad, but people change.
Methods change. New technology and ways of doing things come along. Often these new methods are an improvement. Sometimes we aren’t so sure. New medical and scientific methods like artificial insemination, stem cell harvesting and cloning raise serious ethical issues. Just because we can do something due to new technology does not mean we should do it ethically or biblically. Where’s solid footing in the midst of dramatic change?
Practices change. The infant church met every day in homes. Soon, they met once a week for one long service. Latter, the church added services including Sunday School and mid-week services. Now, many churches have gone back to fewer services and meeting in homes for some of these.
Rules change. I remember when I was a child, there were a number of things that were considered wrong by the Christians I knew. One I remember was the belief that blue jeans were worldly and should not be worn by Christians. I an bewildered today (actually I always have been) as to where this idea came from. This rule is pretty much gone from Christian circles. Rules change.
We live in a world that is changing in many different ways. We live out our relationship with Christ in a Church that is changing locally and globally. It can make your head spin at times trying to make sense of the change and determine what is good change and what is bad change.
Where to we go for answers? How do we find solid footing? We turn to the timeless and unchanging principles of the scriptures.
Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.
(Psalm 119:89)
The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.
(Isaiah 40:8)
The Word of God never changes. People will try to tear down the value of the Word by saying it is outdated and irrelevant. But the truth is that the Word of God transcends time. The Word of God is the most relevant book there is. Man’s thinking, ideas, methods, practices and rules change. And they should. But God’s Word does not change. God’s Word remains the single unchanging standard of truth and principles to guide us in judging our thinking, ideas, methods, practices and rules. We must always go back to the scriptures. We must always ask, “What does the Bible say about this?” Because the truth and principles of the Bible never change and stand as the authoritative and governing judge over all our choices in all our methods, practices and rules.
The closer we stay to the scriptures, the more we will have stability in our standards. This does not mean our rules and practices and methods won’t change. They will change when we follow the truth and principles of scripture. But, all the while, we stand on the solid foundation of God’s Word, not on the shaky ground of popular opinion.
God’s Word is forever settled. It will stand forever. Stand, settled on the Word of God and you will have stability.
Next: (66) Finding Peace in an Immutable God
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