As the New Year approaches, permit us to suggest that, as opposed to merely repeating old cliches and adopting new (or renewed) resolutions, we rather reflect upon: 1) where we have been during the past year in terms of meaningful faith and progress; 2.) where, in relation to such, we presently find ourselves, and; 3.) where, as members of the Body of Christ, we might possibly find ourselves one year from now.
Much that will occur in 2006 is, of course, unpredictable. Who among us might have foreseen the southeastern Asia tsunami (which, incidentally, struck one year ago today), Pakistani earthquake or devastation of New Orleans in the year now drawing to a close?
On the other hand, some aspects of the coming year, while yet to be seen in terms of specific detail, will likely follow predictable patterns, e.g., continued political confusion at home and abroad; growing uncertainties in relation to changing demographics and economic prospects; intensifying loss of moral perspective; ongoing conservative/liberal tensions within professing Christendom; increasingly open hostility - socially, politically and academically - toward conservative Christian faith and its adherents; and other like expressions of current trend.
In especially significant times, the spiritually astute are to possess an awareness as to the meaning of transpiring events ("discerning the times," Matt. 16:3). Within an end time frame of reference Jesus puts it in these terms: "When you shall see these things... [then] know" (Matt. 24:15,33; cf. Paul's exhortation to purposeful response as predicated on a sense of the times, Eph. 5:15-17).
As to the end time world at large, however, Jesus offered a Noahic era analogy: "They knew not until..." (Matt. 24:39). This obviously does not negate the fact of some who, in facing present reality, tend to cynical despair. One is here reminded of the late Bertrand Russell who famously compared life in the modern era to standing alone at the seashore on a dark night and calling out over the sea - only to be answered by the cry of a drowning man.
While cognizant of increasingly "difficult times" (II Tim. 3:1 NASB), those of faith should nonetheless see positive developments in terms of: 1.) a growing sense of oneness among the validly committed as pressure on the Church intensifies and allegiance to Christ (as opposed to sectarian cause and identity) becomes more and more the distinguishing mark of faith, and; 2.) an increasing stripping away of the superfluous as the community of faith progresses toward that final maturity ("until we all come") of which the apostle speaks in Ephesians 4:11-16).
It will not come easily (there will indeed be a price), nor will it occur overnight - but watch for signs.
Burl Ratzsch
