Dr. Jim Wilkins
Last month my article was about “change,” where I suggested our ability to deal with change was based on our relationship with the Creator. This week in my study I came across this quote from Charles Darwin in 1809, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Which I humbly suggest proves my point entirely. Darwin recognized one absolute, “things change.” While he failed to recognize the source of dealing with change, he struck the nerve in the truth of it. Many people I know seem to be “merry-go-round” people rather than respond-to-change people. It is one of the greatest sources of agony and pain when a person goes round and round in a daily routine of life, thinking that this is all there is. Each time around they see the same sights, hear the same laughter in voices and all too soon the music fades and the ride is over. Change is never easy, but change essentially requires one to get off the merry-go-round.
The person who grows in this life is the one who recognizes there is more to this creation than just my tiny little world. Technology is a good example here. How many of you reading these words still use a rotary phone from the 1950s in your home? I suggest none of you do. We live in a digital world, and it is fast paced and challenging in the extreme. Our world is filled with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. If you don’t know what these terms mean, Google them and expand your horizons again. In making this effort to “change” and embrace new opportunities in life you grow as an individual, and your voice and influence may impact that very world. God never declared that we should separate ourselves from the world; He called us to be LIGHT in that world, which at times has very dark places.
When we get off the merry-go-round, engaging the world around us with the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are actively pursuing the path to which God guides us. We, the children of God, are to have a witness and testimony of His goodness to those who have yet to trust in the Creator. What better way than to post a Bible verse that is meaningful to you on Facebook? What better way than to share a truth on Twitter…instead of all the filth and rubbish others seem to be obsessed with.
To survive change, it is not about being the strongest or smartest, it is about being responsive and responsible for the message God has placed in your heart. The message of hope, the message of eternal life, the message of love. Maybe one of your grandchildren can help you establish a presence for God in this ever changing, high-technology world. Be a survivor today.
Dr. Jim Wilkins is the Pastor of Fellowship at the Ranch. We meet each Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the clubhouse.