It is a truism how things change through the course of time, whether we speak of consumables, such as the products we buy, durable goods, etc., to those values that make up how society functions. For example, in the past, the greatest concerns in school classrooms were matters like “students chewing gum, having their homework prepared” and similar responses. In our age it has changed to “guns and violence, drugs, lack of discipline, confusion about identity and one’s place in society” and other matters.
Science theories and beliefs have also changed. What was expected, for example, in the matters of climate and the environment in times past, has not happened as anticipated. Recently, a list of five environmental claims in the not so distant past were compared to current conditions. They were, (1) a population explosion would cause global famine by 2000 (predicted in 1970), (2) air pollution would be so bad that everyone who lived in a city would have to wear gas masks to survive (predicted in 1970), (3) entire nations would be destroyed by 1999 (predicted in 1989), (4) the polar ice caps would have entirely melted away by 2016 (predicted in 2009) and (5) the earth would dramatically warm and then cool, sending the planet into another ice age starting in 1978 (predicted in 1958).
Culture is always changing, and in our time at a radical and accelerated rate. 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 will prevail (Matthew 16:18), and God’s eternal Word is forever the pattern and source of life for the church (1 Peter 1:23-25). 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 question is, “Will we listen to the fickle and fallible opinions of human beings so prone to change?” or “Will we listen to Him Who is eternal, Who never changes, Who provides for all our needs, today and eternally?“
The Bible is as fresh and relevant today as when the inspired writers penned it. It applies to life, and it 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, in Him we are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37).
