Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. – 2 Corinthians 4:1-9

Following the news and reactions through social media over the past few days have prompted many to speak about the future of our country and the path of mankind. Many are celebrating the changes that we are making; comparing them to other historically significant decisions regarding the human rights and lifestyle choices. Many are also growing wary of changes that stand against Biblical principles and longstanding ethical beliefs. These two views create no shortage of discussion, debate and discord, and in the middle of it all I am reminded of two simple truths to which I hold.

1. Change is not always comfortable, but it is not new. Many people like to say how our society is heading down a path toward destruction. I don’t know if that’s true or not. It seems to me that everything in the world is temporary. We produced thousands of new cars last year – all of which are heading toward the car crusher sooner or later. The beautiful plants in my yard will end up in a yard waste bag at the curb this fall. Even my body, sitting here constructing this post will eventually die and decompose. This is the direct result of sin entering our world in the Garden of Eden. Things God designed to last have been tainted and will perish – in the natural. What is established today will be forgotten tomorrow.

We’ve changed things – a great many things and many of those changes stand in opposition to God’s word and commands. This is exciting for those who disregard the Bible in their attempt to know God. This frustrates other Christians who strive to follow Scriptural teachings in their lives. But to those people I offer the words of 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” People who don’t accept the gospel can’t see it, so why should we be surprised with decisions made by leaders who don’t believe what the Bible teaches?

So what do we do about it? That leads me to my second point.

2. God is in control: always has been, always will be. We may think that as a people, we are running the show, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We are like the young child “driving” the car. In our minds, we’re driving when in truth we are merely sitting on our Father’s lap gripping a wheel that He is steering where we can’t see it and controlling pedals we can’t even reach. People who believe they are running things without God’s presence will not be convinced otherwise unless God chooses to make it clear. People who believe God is in control need not fear because God, in fact, IS in control. God is not abandoning us – He paid too high of a price in sacrificing His Son for us – for all of us, including those people who don’t know or don’t listen to Him. So our reaction must be to follow God’s word, especially as He presents it in verses 6-7: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God ]

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Believe it.