Most of you have probably heard about two surveys taken among public school teachers. One was taken 50 years or so ago, another just a few years ago. Many of the questions asked were the same. One question in particular was interesting, a reflection of the times in which we live. When asked, “What are your greatest concerns in the classroom,” the response 50 years ago was “students chewing gum, having their homework prepared,” and similar responses. The more recent response to that question brought “guns and violence, drugs, lack of discipline” and so on. What a change our culture has made in that span of time.
It reminds me of a book I read some time ago, dealing with some “major problems” in the church, according to the author’s perspective, during the late 1940’s and early ‘50’s. Not going into any detail, and not minimizing how important he thought they were to people at that time, like classroom teachers today, I would take those problems over some the church faces today. Culture again has made its presence known.
The culture of the world is always changing. What is acceptable today may not be tomorrow. Similarly, what may be pushing the limits of society ethically and morally today may seem bland by tomorrow’s standards. How do we cope with such rapid changes? How can we know right from wrong in the midst of an evolving culture?
We must anchor ourselves to Him who never changes, Who is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The Lord’s church will prevail (Matthew 16:18), and God’s eternal Word is forever the pattern and source of life for the church (1 Pet. 1:23). God’s Word reveals to us what must never change (the plan of salvation, the pattern of work, worship and leadership in the church, avoiding the works of the flesh, growing in the fruit of the spirit, among others). It also provides the foundation and principles to guide us through change, to make wise decisions, no matter the culture.
The Bible is as fresh and relevant today as when the inspired writers penned it. It applies to life and offers stability in any cultural circumstance or change we may face. Let us trust it, know it and live it. May we rejoice that, no matter how mild or wild the world around us is, we are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37).
