Wise Advice in Troubling Times

If you've been keeping up with the news lately, you know that things are looking pretty bad both at home and abroad. We're likely to face some fairly rough times ahead, and not just economically. For an excellent overview of some of the threats we'll most likely face in 2008 or soon thereafter, read Chuck Missler's article, "The Turbulence Ahead." Though he doesn't approach the issue as a doom-and-gloom hand-wringer, neither does he try to soften the impact or dilute the importance of the various issues he discusses. From potential nuclear (and other) confrontations in the Mid East, to the various geo-political forces vying for prominence in the global community, to political and economic threats at home - all of these are serious issues with deep and lasting impact on our lives and even on the next generation. While he acknowledges that "you and I cannot impact significantly any of the strategic trends that are destined to buffet us in the coming months and years," he ends his overview with a call to action. Not a political call, nor even an economic call, but - refreshingly - a spiritual call.

"The emerging clouds on our geopolitical and economic horizons should propel us to use every day-and every opportunity-to get on with the Lord’s business as our primary priority!

As you formulate your priorities for the coming year, have you included an objectively measurable program for your spiritual growth? All of us are a “work in progress.” Each of us needs to significantly “raise the bar” in our own walk with Him.

Will you commit to a program of serious study of God’s Word as part of a path toward spiritual growth? When 2009 rolls around, will you be able to look back and demonstrate personal growth spiritually?

Pray about it.

Seriously."

In reality, "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12) The only way we can ultimately make a difference in the midst of the chaos of this world is to follow Chuck's advice and make living for our King each and every day our first priority. Nothing else will matter, because nothing else will last. Not politics; not economics. Only the spiritual will last for eternity. Let's not lose sight of that in the days ahead.