“Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.” These words were written by French author Alphonse Karr in 1849. “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” If he was living in the 21st century, I doubt he’d say such a thing.
Events happening today were never imagined just a few years ago. Sign up for the maiden flight on an all-electric plane? Or plan a trip to Mars? What about having a Neuralink chip implanted in your brain, giving “the ability to control a computer cursor or keyboard using…thoughts alone,” the company explains.
Today you can order an Intelligent Security Patrol Service Robot on Amazon for only $26,888.00 (free delivery)! We’re living in yesterday’s world of sci-fi. Nothing seems impossible.
Alvin Toffler wrote his bestseller “Future Shock” in 1970. What would he think now? The first part of his book is called “The Death of Permanence.” That title got me thinking.
With the U.S. election just days away, after the votes are counted, the signs discarded, and half the country feeling exactly the opposite of the other half, will life ever be the same? What frightens some of us is not technological changes but deep spiritual shifts in our society. Is there anything permanent to count on as we go forward?
Here’s really good news—five unchangeable constants on which to build your life.
1. God Himself: “Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish…But You are the SAME, and Your years will have no end.” (Ps 102:25-27)
2. Christ’s Character: “Jesus Christ is the SAME yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb 13:8) His words stand secure, too. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Mt 24:35)
3. His Promised Return: “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This SAME Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:10-11)
4. The Way of Salvation: “The Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction…for the SAME Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” (Rom 10:11-13)
5. The Right Way for Us to Live (Whoever Wins): “Be of the SAME mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom 12:16-18)
We’re all different—but the SAME kind of different. So the real answers to life are the same for everyone, too. Seek God with all your heart. Trust the Man who died for you. Follow the Book from heaven. Love like crazy. Be a peacemaker. Hope for the best.
If that were true of us all, America really would be different, but in the very best way.
Jabe Nicholson of Starkville is to be both salt and light—seasoning and shining. Is he? Contact: [email protected] or uplook.tv
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
