Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2006
Those who know me well know that I am a “news junkie.” My library is stocked with numerous books dealing with current events and cultural trends and my internet favorites list includes every major news network, plus websites of numerous world newspapers and wire services, magazines, and blogs. Most mornings, I take a few moments to peruse our daily paper, plus one or two national newspapers; and most evenings, I take the opportunity to catch some of the television news and commentary shows.
Of course, being a resident of the Gulf Coast, you can bet that I keep up with the Weather Channel, especially during this season of the year!
Above all, I want my primary life compass to be the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom provided by the Bible. One of my favorite Scriptures concerns the testimony of the Sons of lssachar, “…who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” (1 Chronicles 12:32). Not only did these men know “current events,” but they had wisdom from God to interpret these events, and they knew the proper course of action to take.
The prophet Daniel said, “the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits” (Daniel 11:32). We are called to act – not randomly or rashly – but in a way that proceeds out of our relationship with God. Jesus calls us in John 15 to abide in Him, so that we might bear good fruit in our life. It is out of abiding that fruit comes; and abiding speaks of a permanent fellowship, rather than a temporary “plugging in” for an hour on a Sunday.
Fellowship and relationship require commitment and intentional communication-so does staying informed. Way too many Christians are not “in the game.” I’ve heard my Dad say that oftentimes, not only are some believers not in the game, but they don’t even seem to know where the stadium is. This is a tragedy that will produce more tragedies if something doesn’t change soon.
It reminds me a bit of one of my favorite recent news headlines: “Woman crashes car While Teaching Her Dog to Drive.” A lot of folks today are in unreality, giving their time and energies to activities that are not only irrelevant and fruitless, but maybe even dangerous. A little more than five years ago, many commentators told us that 9/11 was a wake-up alarm. If so, many American Christians have since hit the “snooze button.”
Demographers estimate that at present, America is 36% Evangelical Christian. But in the emerging generation, that number plunges to 4%. Can you imagine the implications for our nation and our world if that trend continues? We are called to know God and carry out great exploits-one reason is because it will take great exploits in order to win the coming battles.
Here at CSM, we are committed to reach this emerging generation with the Good News of Christ’s Kingdom, and to do all that we can to equip and inspire disciples worldwide for Jesus. Please continue to stand with us in your prayers and in your giving, and continue to seek the Lord about how you can more completely engage the young people around you who will be the shapers of tomorrow. In this vital task, we must not fail.
Scripture Reference: I Chronicles 12:32; Daniel 11:32; John 15
STEPHEN SIMPSON is the Editor of One-to-One Magazine and the Director of CSM Publishing. In addition to publishing ministry, Stephen has served in leadership for churches and ministries in Costa Rica, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, and Michigan, as well as being the Senior Pastor of Covenant Church of Mobile (2004-2013). He continues to travel in ministry across North America and in other nations.