The Power of Purposeful Progress
The Power of Purposeful Progress
How we can use the advancements of our society for God's Glory
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that the world we live in today is filled with many conflicting views and much less unity and agreement than we have ever seen before. Maybe it’s always been like this, or maybe not –I’m not certain of that. But with the addition of technology, social media, and such, very little stops us from getting our message, thoughts, opinions, and truths out to a vast audience all over the world in just a few seconds.
For this reason, I would argue that finding clarity can feel daunting and sometimes impossible. The noise of differing voices from experts we trust or have trusted can leave us confused. The inconsistent teachings from esteemed educators can bring uncertainty to our thoughts. The unrelenting “truths” held by some who reside in offices or are given authority and higher platforms have solidified their beliefs on a crumbling foundation and have left us feeling defeated.
What do we do as Christians? I suggest that we first examine the root of the problem rather than the avenue through which it’s coming.
From my perspective, the primary dilemma that our society faces is that so many believe that the truths of The Bible have changed, evolved, or developed into something different as the years have passed. The contents of God’s Word have been mutated to meet some people where they are in their needs and wants. And as they justify and expand upon something that, as humans, we do not have the authority to do –chaos, confusion, and uncertainty goes viral.
Reading Acts 26:22–25 this morning, I realized that the fight for truth isn’t a newly developing problem.
“To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.”
As God’s image bearers, our Creator has given us the responsibility, like Paul, to speak true and rational words. But how do we find truth in a society where contradictory information is being rapidly fired from every device we turn on?
It’s found in one source alone…
The Bible
Does that mean everyone will agree with us? Absolutely Not! Just like the skepticism of Festus that confronted Paul and accused him of being out of his mind, Paul stood firm on the truth that had been revealed to Him from God alone. He didn’t soften it to accommodate those he spoke to. He didn’t alter it to make it acceptable to officials. He didn’t hang his head in shame and fear of what his acknowledgment of this truth may bring. Paul stood boldly and proclaimed what he knew to be truth in His heart, even if it cost him everything.
I realize that there are people who view the truths of the Bible as irrational and outdated. I also recognize that it can sometimes be tempting to waver or shy away from what we know to be The Truth. I understand the loneliness that can come from being excluded and left out because our beliefs don’t match up with “popular opinion.” But the truth is that the variety of stances or positions people take is not really a product of our society and the advancements within –it’s always been this way to some degree.
We have always had God’s unchanging truth and there have always been those who modify or even exclude His truths to accommodate what they want or choose to believe regarding what they think is best for their lives. Yes, the advancements of our world have made it possible to share their information, news and more within a few seconds to a much larger audience than Paul was speaking to in this passage. But the same audience is there for us to speak the same true and rational words that Paul spoke about.
We are called to stand firm in the truth of God's Word, even when it seems irrational to the world around us. Our lives should reflect the convictions of a heart rooted in God's unchanging truths. And as we pursue a life that glorifies the Lord, we find clarity amidst confusion and point others to the steadfastness of God's eternal truth. And like Paul, we can confidently state, "I am not out of my mind...but I am speaking true and rational words.”
Joyfully HIS,
Jennifer N. Pearson
As believers, in what ways can we use societal and technological advances to boldly proclaim God’s Word to others? Comment below and share some examples.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
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