Responding to uncertain times…
“Have we gone stark raving nuts?” That was the question from Sen. Ted Cruz. “What in the world is happening to us? While pursuing tolerance and compassion have we lost all common sense?” Those were words from our good friend Bob Russell in his April 24, 2016 blog post.
I am quite sure that many recipients of this weekly email find the current news cycle as unsettling as do Sen. Cruz and Bob Russell. I can assure everyone that the conversation in the Hundley home, and at the Mission Services office, is unsettled as well. How did we get to such an uproar so quickly over the use of restrooms, locker rooms and showers? The question before the church today is not about how we can turn the clock back, but “How are we to handle what is before us tomorrow?”
It appears to me that our first step is to remember what is unchanged! God remains upon His throne, even though some ignore Him or deny His existence. We are promised that Jesus is unchanged. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas.” (Heb. 13:8-9). As we remind ourselves (and this must be done often) of the fact that God does not change, we can worry less. We may not approve of the changes occurring around us, but we need not buckle or waiver in our conviction to truth.
The second step we should take is to continue to love people as Jesus loved them…AND…not pull away from those who do not share our beliefs. Remember this, throughout the Gospel records Jesus is shown to be mingling with people who were far from God. He reminded the disciples what others said about Him, “The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners.'” The love God has for those who are so utterly confused about themselves and life must compel us to draw close to them and share God’s truth. If Jesus could ask a woman whose life was out of control for a drink of water (John 4), we can surely engage those far from God in conversation.
I told a friend recently, “It is not easy to live the radical life to which we are called in any age.” Trusting God’s promises, let us draw close to those who do not know His love. Only then will we be able to share His good news. Only then will His truth set all of us free. You think about that!
Praying for more to be His,
Reggie Hundley
Executive Director
Mission Services Association, Inc.
the missions network
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