Paradigm Shifts

Paradigm Shifts
Alice Smith

Thomas Friedman, the author of The World is Flat, said a sobering statement about young people of today. "Young people used to have to take LSD (a mind-altering drug) to escape. Now they just go online. Now you don't shoot up, you download."

This is true not only about young people, but the entire crazy world. Aren't we living in a day of detached emotions, easy believism and compromised doctrine? A time when a Facebook friend is more vital to our relationship, than a mother, father or spouse? What's happened to us? :~<

Recently, a friend of mine saw four couples in a restaurant, all busily working on their Blackberry's and I-phones. They were in each other’s presence, but they weren't really present! (Eddie and I have been guilty of the same. Yikes!) We may have social networks with people from India, Canada, South America and Europe yet fail to connect with our loved ones, and worst still, the greatest connection of all--talking with the King of all glory, Jesus Christ.

A shift in the heavenlies is happening. I'm sure you sense it. People are doing anything to fill their time, hoping that “busy-ness” will block out the concerns of everyday life. Especially for those who have never given their hearts to Christ. So, we shouldn't be surprised that one day there would come a generation who would experience the “beginnings of sorrows.” The beginning of massive worldwide shifts are here.

God told Daniel,”This is a confidential report, Daniel, for your eyes and ears only. Keep it secret. Put the book under lock and key until the end. In the interim there is going to be a lot of frantic running around, trying to figure out what's going on.' (12:4; The Message Bible)

That describes our age perfectly. We are frantically running around. Moms run over other moms in Wal-Mart to get the newest Christmas toy for their children. And Gen-x'ers camp out all night outside of Best Buy for the newest techno gadget available.

A paradigm is defined as a set of assumptions, concepts, values and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community living. Today, our paradigms are shifting so fast, we are getting whiplash from the jerks of change.

The apostle Paul encouraged us "to no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men" (Eph. 4:14). However, he also told us, "FINALLY, my brethren, be STRONG IN THE LORD, and in the power of His might. Put on the WHOLE ARMOR of God, that you may be able to STAND against the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:10-11 emphasis mine).

Friend of Insight Newsletter, we are in the days of shaking! Get use to it! Get in the prayer closet! Get "socially connected" to Jesus. He will strengthen your weak knees, help you to stand strong in the day of battle, and no matter how many times your paradigms shift, you will still STAND!