It seems like the world is changing so fast that I have a hard time keeping up with it all.  It’s difficult, if not impossible, to wade through all the latest technology, social media, acronyms, most recent slang terms and buzzwords.  I recently had to google, “What does BIPOC mean?” (also; boujee, bussin and IYKYN.)  I come across things in everyday conversations and written communications that I have never heard of before.  I’m trynna keep up, but no-cap, it’s hard tbh.  There’s a new generation being raised with a new language and new values that are outside of my comfort zone and comprehension.

In the midst of it all, the one thing I really want to know is, “How do we be the church in these days?”  I want to know how to communicate Christ and be people of God who can represent our Lord today in this culture.  I can cope with being uncool and out-of-touch in lots of ways personally, but I need to know how to be God’s people today!  How do we navigate the cultural landmines and earn the trust of people who need to know about the Savior? 

Sometimes the Lord gives me insights and hints as to how to proceed.  He reminded me lately of something I needed to understand.  He reminded me to stay close to him and follow his lead, even when I don’t know where it all is going.    

I was thinking about the days some years ago when I was serving in Grand Haven.  Our youngest son was in kindergarten at the time.   Fridays were my day off.  So, on Fridays, when our son would get out of school at lunchtime and it was just the two of us for a few hours, we would hang out.  Sometimes we’d go to the nearby beach for a picnic with his friend.  Sometimes we’d go to the “Imagination Station” at the park, or to the Dollar Store.  There were times we’d just pick up sticks in the yard or go to Home Depot and do some man-shopping.  Every Friday afternoon when he came home from school, our son would say with anticipation, “What are we doing today, Dad?”  To him, it was a great adventure, even if it was something rather mundane.  I tried to have some kind of a plan and make it matter and he always gladly participated. 

I think I’m at a point where I need to be more like a six-year-old anticipating time with Dad.  I can trust that his plan will be just right.  He knows what to do when I don’t.  He understands this world we live in and the people’s needs better than I ever will.  Maybe the best I can do is put my hand firmly in His and say, “What are we doing today, Dad?” 
 
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14

Pastor Richard Hand
Grand Ledge Church of the Nazarene