Each day we are reminded that we are living in a changing world; a world
and society much different than we knew only a few years ago. Television,
movies, magazine advertising and music are confronting us with language
and sexual perversions that stun the average citizen. If we complain,
they laugh at us; they tell us we are foolish and thatwe must adjust.
Those of us who hold to basic Christian beliefs are accused of being
fanatical, radical, mean-spirited and desirous of forcing our morality on
other people. We are told that this is 2004, times are different, morality
has changed and we need to go along.
With the pressures of political correctness, diversity and calls for
tolerance coming at us from all directions, many are tempted to wonder if
the teachings of Jesus Christ are applicable today. But never should we
forget that as Christians we are called to the pursuit of holiness in all
aspects of our lives. As God’s people we are to be a light in a
darkened world. While the world, at times, seems overwhelming, never
should we retreat from it and try to hide in some dark corner keeping our
beliefs and faith to ourselves.
Never are we to look to the world and its trappings for our happiness or
salvation. These can be found only by following Jesus Christ. True, the
world may offer some temporary answers to the problems of life but they
will not last. If we are ever to find peace and joy in our lives, we must
turn to the one who created us and who watches over us. If this
nation is to stop its rapid slide toward Gomorrah, God and Jesus Christ
must be returned to their rightful positions in the life of America and in
our personal lives.. There is no other way to stem the tide now sweeping
this country. It cannot be done by the self- serving politicians, the
false doctrines of Islam, the empty promises of secularism or the
misguided followers of atheism.
These are indeed trying times but Jesus never promised us that it would be
easy to be one of His followers. He said on many occasions that we would
be persecuted, ridiculed, and subjected to all kinds of mistreatment
because of Him. He also told us that the only way to the Father is through Him. In these uncertain days, we must go forth and tell the world of
Him and what He offers. If we are to be true to our faith, there is no
other way we can live our lives regardless of what the world thinks or says!
Max R Tyner, Pastor
Good Shepherd Evangelical Church
Geronimo, Texas
Email: mtyner@mail.nbtx.com
