Society seems to be in a constant state of change. Take for example the instruction given to parents raising their children. In 1946, Dr. Benjamin Spock wrote, “Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care.” It was revolutionary! The book sold more than 50 million copies! Before Dr. Spock wrote his book, parents had been disciplinarians, kids were “trained,” and the home didn’t revolve around every whim of the children. Kids were made to endure meal after meal of horrible foods like asparagus, English peas, liver and onions, and meatloaf! They weren’t allowed to leave the table until they cleaned their plate. Kids had chores and weren’t paid for doing them. What!!?? Dr. Spock changed all of that with his groundbreaking book. He taught that parents should indulge their kid’s desires, refrain from disciplining their children, and the rest is history. Not really. Before he died, Dr. Spock admitted that much of what he had taught had been wrong.
This is just one illustration of the ever changing minds, trends, practices, and social mores of society. Change is a constant and the changes we experience are much broader than simply ideas and practices. Change also includes those around us. Many of the faces I look out upon at church each Sunday are different than they were 25 years ago. Harry, Margaret, Lewis, Grace, Arlo, and Leon have gone home to be with the Lord. Jim, Sherrita, and Denise have moved on to other churches. Change is present in my own family. All of my grandfathers, grandmothers, and my own mother are no longer present for me to laugh with, talk to, and enjoy. Ten years ago I didn’t know Rachel, Kellen, Macy, Parker, Ashley, or Aiden but today I’m grateful they are now part of my family. And the changes continue.
There are many who are not comfortable with change of any kind. What are we to do when we realize that change is a constant part of our lives? What do those of us who desire stability do when change is inevitable? I’ve got good news for you. Isaiah 40:8 tells us, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 NIV) God’s Word teaches us about change, about life, death, and every subject in between the cradle and the grave. Most importantly, God’s Word teaches us about God and His indescribable love for you and me demonstrated in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. As changes continue to take place we can cling to our unchanging God.
Isaiah 40:8
