Sunday, April 21, 2002
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Sunday, April 21, 2002 |
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Are there any constants in a world of continuous change? By DR. DAVID L.
CHANCEY
Stanley Weintraub wrote a book entitled "The Last Great Victory" about the summer of 1945. The book recounts what took place almost day by day during that critical time leading up to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. In the book is a profound statement from William Manchester, who says, "In retrospect, the summer of '45 was a historical hinge. Everything that had been, no longer was; and everything that was to be, became." The world changed as a result of World War II and the dropping of that bomb. Now we're on the other side of another historical hinge. Sept. 11 was a day that changed the way we look at life. If you don't believe the world has changed, then take a flight or even take a walk through Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport. You can only go so far unless you have a ticket. I flew for the first time after 9/11 back in January when I attended a FAITH Institute in Daytona Beach. At that time heavily armed National Guard troops stood watch over the crowds. The security measures on a Monday morning caused extra long lines as only 50 travellers at a time were ushered through security check points. You needed to allow two hours to make your flight on time. Coming back from Daytona, we were leaving just before President Bush and Air Force One were taking off for Atlanta. In that smaller airport the crowds usually show up for one flight at a time and things are pretty quiet between arrivals and departures. Our party arrived at the security gate and were cordially greeted by about six airport security personnel and two national guard troops who carefully examined carry on bags and who sized up passengers. We were slowly and patiently moving through the metal detectors when I was the random, lucky passenger who was singled out. "Sir, please step over here," the guard said. "Please stretch out your arms." So I stretched out my arms as they waved the wand over and around me. "Now, sir, step over here, place your hands on the counter and raise your left foot. Now raise your right foot." They checked my shoes for explosives. "Now, sir, we're going to pat you down." And they proceeded to pat every part of me except for a certain place, and they came pretty close to that. As this was going on, they were also analyzing my briefcase. Finally I was cleared. I said, "Are you all doing this because of President Bush's visit?" "No, we're have some new trainees." I was relieved. I thought they thought I was a threat. See, whether we like it or not, things have changed. Most people don't like change and naturally resist change. The routine is comfortable and sameness means stability. Yet we live in a changing world in which the only constant is change. Times change. Society changes. Culture changes. Therefore, we must know what time it is, especially when it comes to doing church. What does it take to reach people these days? What security measures must be taken to ensure the safety of preschoolers and children? What risk management steps must be taken to protect the church in this day and time? What worship adjustments must we make to strike a balance between ministering to church folks while also appearing relevant to the unchurched crowd who may be seeking truth? Each church will have to work through these issues in its own way with much prayer, evaluation and soul-searching. However, to do the same things in the same way that we've been doing them for years just because we've always done them that way may demonstrate that we don't what time it is. In the midst of all of these changes, is there anything we can count on that doesn't change? Though the methods may change, the message of the Gospel will never change. Though times may seem uncertain, Jesus is always certain. He will never change. His love will never change. And His promises will never change. As Hebrews 13:8 reads, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Thank God there is something we can count on! Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor, McDonough Road Baptist Church, 352 McDonough Road, Fayetteville. The church family invites you to join them each Sunday for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m.
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