Normally, at the start of a new quarter or at some other time of transition during the calendar year, it is cliche for someone to start an article by asking, "Where did the time go?" Alas, even though I have had the same feelings this week as preparations start for the final quarter of 2008 @ Pharr Chapel, I will spare you the cliche today. Even though it's hard to believe that we are going to be celebrating our annual charge conference in less than three weeks, celebrating our Reaffirmation Sunday (check the monthly newsletter for more information) in less than two months, and our Advent calendar is already taking shape, there is something else that I want to mention this morning as none of us can avoid the headlines.
It seems that almost all of us, no matter our political or economic view on life, are wondering what all is going to happen with our nation's economy. Like many of you, I am concerned about decisions being made on Wall Street, Main Street, and in Washington, DC. I am concerned that those who are responsible for oversight in our political and economic society will make the right decisions, without regard to political fallout either way. However, I am most concerned about some of the attitudes being expressed by people all across the fruited plan who look to politicians for the answer to all of our problems; in other words, people who look to politicians for salvation.
Yes, I am concerned about the implications (short and long term) of our current situation and the 'solutions' that are being bandied about by the political and chattering classes. What I am most concerned about, though, is what your perspective and mine is in the long run. It is a basic Christian belief that no matter what else, at some point the things of this earth, and the kingdoms of this earth, will all pass away when Christ comes again to bring about the fulfillment of the new heaven and new earth. This is where we as Christians must put our ultimate hope and must look for our ultimate salvation.
Economic highs and lows will come and go - that is a part of life and no one can prevent that from happening. Emotional highs and lows will come and go - that is a part of life and no one can prevent that from happening. All sorts of highs and lows will come and go in our life - and no one can prevent that from happening.
Yes, we should do all that we can to prepare for these highs and lows. We must not, however, allow these highs and lows to allow us to lose perspective on the ultimate hope of all who follow the risen Christ.
See You Sunday!
Lamar
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