“It is said that despite its many glaring (and occasionally fatal) inaccuracies, the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy itself has outsold the Encyclopedia Galactica because it is slightly cheaper, and because it has the words “DON’T PANIC” in large, friendly letters on the cover.”
As a young man, I read the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams and really loved the book. Additionally, I learned that I should always keep up with my towel and that there IS an answer to the ultimate question (42 if you are wondering). In later years, I have learned that there really is a book that contains the answer to the ultimate question of the “meaning of the life, the universe and everything”. Also, there is advice that teaches us the importance of our actions and things we should always remember. AND, this book also teaches us that “Don’t Panic” is a good bit of advice…. Read on, my friends.Anyone who has not been living under a rock for the past several weeks will come to the conclusion that the world around us seems to be falling apart. There are so many things happening in our country and in our world that make many of us wonder just what is happening. For many of us, it brings us to a point where we fear for our very lives. A short list of these “hot topics” would include things like:
- The Bruce Jenner question
- Gay Marriage issue before the Supreme Court
- The murder of Christians by ISIS
- The failing financial markets around the world
- The Jade Helm exercises and what they could mean for the U.S.
There are MANY more questions before us as Christians in this world, but these are just a few examples. What IS our world coming to? How should I react to it as a Christian? What should I DO about it as a Christian? Why is all of this happening? These sorts of questions can cause us to panic inside and want to circle the wagons inside our churches. My friends, let me just remind you of a few truths from the Word of God. In the Old Testament, the book of Joshua contains a very important message for us today. The first chapter of this book is one of my favorite passages in all of the Old Testament. Verses 1-9 are what I want to focus on for this article:
This is the beginning of Joshua’s calling to lead God’s people into the land that God had promised to Abraham so many years before. As I read the way God is speaking to Joshua in this passage, I get the feeling that Joshua must be feeling a little overwhelmed by his calling. On 3 occasions in just these verses, God instructs Joshua to be strong and courageous. God told Joshua to be strong, not because he felt that Joshua was fully capable of accomplishing what God had called him to do. Rather, Joshua was to be strong and courageous because God was going to accomplish the work THROUGH Joshua. Read in verse 5, as God told Joshua that “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life.” He continued this and said, “Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.” You see, Joshua had a calling to take the place of a leader whom the Israelites loved and respected. Joshua was overwhelmed to be taking over for such a leader, but God wanted him to understand that He (God) would take care of completing his work through Joshua’s service. Joshua’s part was simple obedience. Note verse 7-8 where he is reminded that he MUST remain faithful to God’s law. The latter portion of verse 8 reads, “for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Just as Joshua would find success in remaining obedient to God, so do we. Speaking for myself, I can tell you that my own calling to teach God’s word is quite daunting. Like Joshua, I often feel overwhelmed at the task. I simply have to remember that if I will simply be obedient and listen to the Word that God reveals, then I will be successful in fulfilling the massive calling on my life. And SO WILL YOU! God says these final words to Joshua (and to us), “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do no tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
So what does all of this have to do with what is going on in our world today? Well, we have a calling today as well. It is an overwhelming task, just as Joshua was facing. Matthew 28:19-20 reads:
So our mission and calling is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ into all the world. For some of us, this means we will travel to far away lands. For others, it means that we will share in our own neighborhoods. But this calling is for ALL OF US. It is very important that we understand the realities of what this means, as we reach out to those who we are called to reach. I will share what Paul had to say in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13:
Whether we like it or not, the world views us (as Christians) as being judgmental. Are they right? I believe that all too often, they are. Friends, we must approach those who we are attempting to reach with the Gospel with LOVE..and NOT with judgement. Paul reminds us here that it is God’s place to judge them..NOT us. We ARE, however, called to ensure that we are not guilty, as a body, of failing to remain true to our moral calling. How, then are we to love them? Paul provides that answer as well. The text found in 1 Corinthians 13 (linked) shares the details for how we are to love in the same way God loves us.
SO…do you disagree with those who feel the homosexual lifestyle is acceptable? Love them. Do you think the idea of a sex change is a bad thing? Love them anyway. Do you fear groups like ISIS? Be strong and courageous and LOVE them! Does it anger you that your freedoms are being trodden upon by your government? Be strong and courageous and continue to show love. Do you see other things happening that cause you to question what is happening? Fulfill your calling and share the gospel with those surrounding you and realize that your requirement is only to be faithful to God’s commandments, which will bring you success.