The Straightline
Changing World
by Eric Watt
It was 0100 in the New Delhi airport when the news (in Hindi) was announced that America had launched a counter-attack in Afghanistan. Gathered around the television were tourists, business travelers, flight attendants and soldiers – all awaiting the news and no doubt wondering how it would impact them.
Our flight was diverted, others were cancelled. Itineraries in hand, everyone seemed to be making adjustments to changing plans. We boarded our flight and within a day were back home.
Now it seems that we are faced with a changing world – a world in which we must be strong and courageous, but not arrogant nor foolish. Our efforts as the Church to bring the hope of Jesus to the unreached must be re-focused with increased intensity on the mission at hand, but ever more sensitive of the context around us. Our cause must be delivered in deference and humility rather than “brand” strengthening initiatives.
I sense that larger ministries with publicly vested interests may not make the adjustment as easily as those committed to work together, who quietly partner for the cause more than their constituency.
In fact, we may not be able to "report in" telling the world of our endeavors. In the changing world, we may be forced to quietly go about the Father's work.
Some of our efforts will be diverted, some may be cancelled. But those of us resolute for the mission and purpose at hand will make the adjustments. Rather than tell our constituency of the latest victories, we will simply work together quietly “while it is day”.
The world has changed. The days of heroic and public efforts have passed .... the days of quiet revolution have begun.
The world has changed. For the good.
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