THE MORE THINGS CHANGE ...

A few weeks ago I read something that stimulated me to cogitate about how Americans view the future with a mix of optimism and pessimism. Consider the following:

A new poll shows Americans believe that by the end of the next century, a woman will have served as president, and cancer and AIDS will be distant memories -- but poverty and pollution will still be with us.

The poll was commissioned by the Millennium Organizing Committee, a Chicago marketing firm, and conducted by National Family Opinion Research, Inc. Fifty-six percent of those surveyed said they expect a woman will be sent to the White House, but only one in four expects the Catholic Church will allow women to be ordained priests in the 21st Century. Fifty percent foresee a cure for cancer and 42% a cure for AIDS. Only 5% figure humanity will figure out a way to stop pollution, and more than 90% think the poor will be with us for at least another 100 years.

As I read and considered the survey results from that poll, one thing kept coming to my mind … the more things change, the more they stay the same. Here's what I mean by that. Whether or not we elect a woman to the White House or if we ever find a way to do away with pollution in the next 100 years, etc., … we need to get back to what's really important in this life.

Jesus said that greatness is achieved by becoming a servant. He also taught us that if we desired to gain real life, we will need to give up our life. These are difficult statements to comprehend and put in practice in our daily life. Beginning in January, 2000, all of our Sunday Morning Adult Bible Classes will be studying what the Scripture has to say to us about becoming a servant for Jesus.

This Sunday afternoon in the annex, David and I would like to meet with all men who are current teachers, teacher assistants, and those interested in teaching during this series of lessons for Sunday mornings in 2000.

See you in Bible Class!

Ted Edwards

West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, AR
Bulletin Article, 17 October 1999


 Link to Ted Edwards Home Page