FAll is A Season for Change - Jewell Utt
The wind rustles through the trees, delivering the first burst of cool weather. Fall is my favorite season. I love seeing the greens and oranges, and hearing the crispy leaves underfoot. The smell of burning fireplace embers replace the savory meats that cooked on outdoor grills. There’s something special about Fall. The change in season signals a new start and the promise of a more festive time to come.
Despite the Covid shut-in, this year has moved fast. And the change in seasons has helped to keep me engaged, each with a beauty all its own. Yet so much more has changed this year. Two ideologies vie for popularity. Each an affront to the followers of the other.
How can both be right?
The Bible teaches us that God calls for unity and like-mindedness, not uniformity of thought. We will have differing opinions because we are uniquely created. But when we follow the same playbook, our standards of respect, selflessness, and humility trump any desire to act recklessly. Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise. Ephesians 5:15
I have more respect for someone who does not share my views, but can sit down and dialog with me about theirs, than I do for someone who riots and kills, to soothe their unmet needs. Like a toddler’s tantrum, their outburst doesn’t lead to great results. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7
How can we be so wrong about something, yet not realize it?
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9
The Apostle Paul provides a great example. He vehemently protected his beliefs. Mercilessly persecuting Christians who were teaching that Christ indeed was the Messiah. Paul, a Pharisee among Pharisees, wasn’t mean spirited. He truly believed “The Way” (early Christians) was a heretical assault on Yahweh.
Boy, was he misguided in his devotion. But, Christ did not leave him in a state of ignorance forever. On the road to Damascus, the Lord got a hold of him, actually blinding him. Acts 9:1-19, Acts 22:6-21, Acts 26:12-18. His physical blindness represented a deeper blindness. That of a spiritual nature.
We live in a spiritual realm that many do not understand. When we look at the problems of today, we must realize they are spiritually driven. A great divide is forming right before our eyes. The evidence of faithfulness and the playbook people follow is easier than ever to detect. Making it of great significance, how we spend our words and our time.
If God could change a man as strong as Paul, He can cause anyone to see clearly. But what will it take? Rather than getting exhausted by the decline, why not represent Christ? Many times, all it takes is a Word from You.
In an interview, Billy Graham was asked why he always shares the gospel and offers an altar call. He responded because he knew that everyone there had been previously prepared by God to come. God places people in our paths every day. Do we respond to Him by engaging them?
“Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” …But how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:14
Fall is a beautiful season for change. I hope we see a change in our nation as hearts turn towards God.
