Fall: A Time for Change

To Change or Not to Change...That is the Question!

"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind," the Apostle Paul. Change is good...especially, when it comes to putting off the old self and putting on the new. Obliterating old habits and taking up new ones that accelerate our growth and maturity is something we should all strive for!

The change in seasons can be great joy! Now, saying goodbye to Summer and hello to Fall is a welcome change for me. I enjoy the cooler temps, college football, bright colored leaves on the trees and of course, eating hot chili and delicious pumpkin cookies! The dry hot weather is coming to an end here in Idaho...fresh cooler air is helping me enjoy my hot coffee even more in the brisk mornings.

Yet, some things should remain the same...shouldn't they? Traditions we hold dear that draw us closer to God and one another should remain intact. If we spent some time outdoors in the Summer...we should look for opportunities to be outdoors in the Fall, as well (get some sunshine when able). In other words, keep up those activities and attitudes that spur on physical, mental and spiritual health. When it comes to challenging yourself to do hard things for personal development and strengthening others - stay the course!

We live in a nation founded on honoring God, families and freedom! Let's stay the course! Seeking to please God, grow in the faith, fulfilling family responsibilities and being alert to the existing threats to freedom should remain unchanged. The Bible says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." I hope we, like our forefathers, remain unwavering in our commitment to helping America be a nation that exists "for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith" as was the intent of the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower (according to the Mayflower Compact, 1620).

The Apostle Paul said the "fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." These should always be evident in the life of the Christian...regardless of change in seasons, new trends and cultural shifts! Sure, change is good! But, so is remaining true to our beginnings! Some things need no change.

Honor, humility, self-discipline, courage, decency and more should be reflective in a society that is good. There is enough sin, selfishness, deceit and ugliness in the world. Let's not add to it by changing our devotion to the Lord and His superior standards. America needs men and women that remain true to their convictions and faithful to those standards that uphold a healthy and fruitful society.

So, I hope you enjoy the changes that Fall brings...cooler air, football, tailgating, family get-togethers, pumpkin spice whatever, etc. However, I hope you remain unchanged in your commitment to God and His goodness. Be grateful for His steadfast and enduring love. He is faithful from everlasting to everlasting. Let's keep our eyes on our unchanging Lord even amidst these fast changing times!

Bruce