One of the societal changes I’ve observed here in America is that people are more transient than ever. Our planet has gotten smaller: airline flights can whisk you across the globe in a matter of hours; the Web allows you instantly to communicate with individuals at the farthest ends of the earth. As a result, people are more likely to pick up and move across the country (or across the world) to establish their lives in a new place.
A Disturbing Trend
While this could seem exciting, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend that accompanies this new found transience: since people don’t have to stay in one place their entire lives, their commitment level is not as intense. When people spend their entire lives in the town where they were born, it’s nearly impossible to cover up personal flaws; everyone knows what they’re about. Conversely, when people frequently move from place to place, they can reinvent themselves at every stop. They’re never held accountable for their long-term decisions. They’re never forced to strengthen their level of integrity.
The midwives who delivered the Hebrew babies in Exodus 1 were faced with a crisis. Pharaoh had ordered that they kill all newborn baby boys. But they chose to protect these children, risking their own lives in the process. In doing so, the midwives expressed their allegiance to God. Since they had no opportunities to flee the land, their choice had great consequences. The midwives honored God and stuck around to face Pharaoh, no matter the cost. In the end, they were blessed because of their faithful actions.
True Commitment
True commitment is tested over time. Are you exposing yourself to the consistent accountability that comes in the local church, or are you living as a carefree vagabond? You might be tempted to flee because of your sin; you might be tempted to flee because of the sin of those around you. Regardless, we need to stick around and be faithful, not only to God, but to a place where our faithfulness can be refined. |L
Steve Carr is the teaching minister at Echo Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. He and his wife Kelly have one daughter, Kaelyn.
