The Winds of Change
Dan Kunz
The famous philosopher, Jimmy Dean once said, “I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Of course, Jimmy Dean wasn’t really a famous philosopher, but he was a pretty talented guy, a country music singer, television host, actor, and businessman. He was the creator of the Jimmy Dean sausage brand as well as the spokesman for its TV commercials. His viewpoint of change is a good one to remember when considering the future of our various ministries.
Jesus is the perfect example of the need to adjust practice, not principle. He knew that some of the people who needed him most, the outcasts of society, were not likely to wander into the temple to hear him share his message of God’s love. So, what did he do? He went to them. He took his message “to the streets”. As we ponder the new decade that stretches out before us, God’s people need to figure out what changes we must make to share our message of God’s love with all those who need it desperately. It may mean making more or better use of social media. It may mean expanding our ministry into the community itself, particularly the neglected among us. It may mean changing our environment and culture to appeal to young people, single parent families, or the needy.
Of course, we know that adjusting our sails doesn’t mean abandoning the boat. Jesus didn’t change the message to accommodate the audience. God’s laws and God’s love haven’t changed even a little bit since the beginning of time. James 1:17 “Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, who does not change or shift like a shadow.” Unfortunately, too many churches today want to appeal to the masses by softening or disregarding God’s expectations for us. Our world preaches acceptance, inclusion, and diversity. On face value, those things aren’t bad. They may even be exactly what God wants us to do, but we can’t do them by ignoring God’s Word and will. God’s commands are still his commands, not his suggestions!
At one time, many of our services were conducted in German, women sat on one side of church and men sat on the other, worship was only on Sunday morning, men wore suits and ladies wore dresses, etc. Many changes have occurred over the years and they were all logical, necessary, or convenient. The same standard should apply today, especially if the change means more people being part of the body of Christ now, but more importantly, for eternity. This is the destination for which we should all be sailing!
Romans 15:7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Contributor, Dan Kunz, Antioch Foundation