The Old Paths Were Made for Walking

We have just had a weekend of remembrance for all of our fallen soldiers who have given
their lives for this nation. I am aware that the same attitude of patriotism does not exists as
it did at one time; sad. I grew up with it, we talked about it, we were excited about it and we
felt honored to participate in any celebration. I am concerned that we have lost a lot of
ground over the last few decades and what was once honored is now ridiculed or even
worse, dismissed as irrelevant. While I am specifically referencing America, the flag, and
apple pie, I fear the church has lost a lot of ground and is also experiencing ridicule and
accusations of being irrelevant.

It’s not that new things are always wrong things, but if the new replaces foundations the
building crumbles. To pursue the new, the latest, the trend, without vetting the benefits,
leads to a form of entertainment in the church rather than life transformation. I am aware
that each generation wrestles with change and we sometimes need to be dragged into what new thing God may be doing. However, I would urge us all to evaluate and assess the
direction we are going. As I have said to my students many times, “The Gospel does not
need to be tweaked.” It is now urgent that courageous men and women repeat the ancient refrain, “ask for the old paths ... and walk therein ....” (Jer. 6:16).

I ’m not suggesting that everything ‘old’ is better. Try hauling around the old cordless phone
in your purse. I am simply recommending a sober evaluation of the status of the church, our ministries, and personal relationship with the Lord. Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation...” Let’s find that place of honor once again and reinstate the ‘awe’ in
awesome when referring to our God!