March 1995
 previous -------------- next
"We just want to change the world!" This seems to
be the philosophical battle cry of the youth of
America. Ask your average young person what concerns
him, and he will likely respond that something must
be done about the AIDS crisis, or about racism, or about poverty, or any number of different social problems. For years the standard joke about beauty pageant contestants was that they all desire to work for "world peace." It seems that the youth are aware that societal problems do exist, and they do care about solving them. The problem is: how can these problems be corrected?
Though all the problems of our world seem varied, there is actually one solution that will solve them all. It is not found in education, nor in the halls of government. It is not found in increased spending on social ills. It is found in the Word of God: II Corinthians 5:17 be be exact. There Paul writes: "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." I know of no better way to change things than to make them new. More money, or more education, or more government, does not make new. Only Jesus Christ can make new, and therefore He is the only solution to the problems that our world faces today.
Education and spending has not solved the drug problem. But Jesus Christ can make someone new so that they no longer need or desire artificial stimulation. Drunk driving and other alcohol related problems are solved when a man trusts Christ as Saviour and then puts into practice (with God's help) the Biblical injunctions against strong drink. The AIDS crisis could be virtually wiped out in a generation if
people would follow the Bible's commandments concerning morality. A Christian who understands that all humans are created in the image of God can never be a racist. Teenage pregnancy, broken homes, throw-away children, crime, and all other social problems have their solution in the Word of God as well.
So then, how can we really change the world? We must take the glorious Gospel of Salvation to people. We each must be faithful in our individual witness and testimony, so that we ourselves are bringing people to Christ. We must be free with our giving to send others to plant churches both at home and around the world. We must be faithful to both teach and practice the principles of Scripture, so that "new creatures in Christ" will understand God's Divine Plan for their lives. And, above all else, we must be careful to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8) on a daily basis.
My friend, we cannot change the world, for the world is inhabited by sinful men. But God can change the world, for He can give a new heart and life to those who will accept His salvation. Let us then be busy spreading God's Word to those who need to hear it.
Your Pastor
Mark J Montgomery
|
