I can remember running home from primary school just in time to watch The Bugs Bunny Show in black and white. Then our family would later sit at the dining table to eat. After tea, if mum and dad where up to it, we would get out the deck of cards or the board games and play for a while before we went to bed. The Gas Man would call on Saturdays and empty the coins from the gas meter. The Rent Man would also arrive on Saturday to receive the next weeks rent. My brother and I would chase the Ice Cart in the summer to "retrieve" chunks of ice to suck on. A lot of families still had Ice Chests because refrigerators were so expensive. We still had an outdoor toilet. We had to be in bed by the time it was dark. There was no daylight savings. We could stay up on a Friday night until 9 o'clock! Dad would go off to work whilst mum stayed at home. I don't know whose job was the hardest. Dad, demolishing buildings, or mum tending the house and chasing after my brother and I.

 

Now, we don't have to rush home. VCR's and DVD recorders take care of the TV shows that we might miss. Most families have several colour TV's or use their computers to watch TV programs and movies. Family habits have changed to the point that we may not get to eat together. Just a quick bite and off to do this or that. Our refrigerators can now dispense its own ice cubes and even place orders via the internet to have the groceries delivered. Utilities, likewise, can now be paid electronically. Our toilet or toilets are now indoors. My dad no longer works. My mum passed away in '94 and no longer has to chase after my brother and I any more. We now have daylight savings. Now we can spend even more time doing things that we want. I don't have to go bed at 9 o'clock any more.

 

But I still watch Bugs Bunny when he's on.

 

In the last 220 odd years, the first white Australians traveled in wind driven ships, now we explore the solar system and beyond. Change can be frightening in its speed. In the same amount of time, we have polluted and abused this planet, to the point that life its self is threatened. Change can be dangerous. Within the last 50 years we have gone from walking the streets in relative safety to the point of paranoia. Change can be unsettling.

 

The church has changed. We now have Elders and Deacons. Audio visual devices enhance the message. The number of versions of the Bible has increased. Our congregation is growing to the point of building extensions. Change can be wonderful.

 

There are changes that are re-assuring. Jesus does NOT change (Heb 13:8). We may be growing older on the outside, but our inner-man, is being renewed each day (2 Cor 4:16). We will change from corruptible to the incorruptible (1 Cor 15:51-58).

 

We may see change around us and live in fear, wonder; eager for more, dreading it will be too much. But just remember, change is inevitable. Look to God for guidance in how we are to change towards Him and our brethren.

 

Change the way we think. (Jas 1:5-8 - Heeding the wisdom of God will bring about blessings and stability.)

 

Change the way we walk. (Eph 4:1-25 - Are we to walk alone or as one? Give up the old. Take on the new. )

 

God has given us the ability to cause change in the lives of others by using His word. How do you change 6 Billion lives for God?

 

One at a time. Starting with yours.