A Time for Transition

Election season is finally coming to an end. A decision has finally been made, and that decision will require a transition. One administration will have to step away, while another rises to take its place. The U.S. is more than two hundred years old, and presidential elections are held every 4 years. We’ve been here before. Sometimes the transition has led to revolutionary change for the country such as when Abraham Lincoln took office and wound up freeing the slaves and overseeing a Civil War. More often than not though, particularly in recent times, the transition from one leadership to another hasn’t really had as much of an impact as many have hoped. 

Too often, when all the promises and bluster subside, most of the problems that were present before the transition remain after the transition. Too many citizens are struggling financially. Too many people are being abused by both the system and their fellow citizens. Too much strife exists in the nation, but it’s not just this nation. The same problem is common throughout the world. People in many of the world’s nations are seeking something better. They are seeking a transition from the trappings and failures all too common in the world. Unfortunately, all too often the people are left to find that when the old regimes leave and the new regimes take their place, the same problems remain.

This blog has addressed the concept of change several times recently. However, it should be acknowledged that change as a concept is broad in meaning. A transition is a form of change, but it’s typically not something just on the surface. It usually involves the movement from one state of being or mode of operation to something new and different. Unfortunately, as noted above, that transition does not always result in a more widespread change for those involved in the transition.

The Bible is full of transitions. The Hebrews went from being slaves in Egypt to having a nation of their own. If God provided for that transition, one might believe that it would cause a change in the behavior of the Hebrews that guaranteed their faithfulness to God. However, that was not the case. God changed their state of being, but the people held onto their old ways. Unfortunately, people refusing to change accordingly following a transition might result in those people transitioning back to the poor state they once escaped. While the New Testament didn’t see the Hebrews return to slavery, they were a conquered people, held under the rule of the Romans. Since they didn’t know how to accept God as the ruling force over their lives, they were subjected to an inferior and less fair rule.

Sometimes people do recognize when a transition has occurred and strive to change accordingly. Such was the case following Jesus’s death. His disciples and other followers came to understand that Jesus’ death and resurrection was the starting point for a transition to something different for Believers. Many of the people witnessed the advent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Peter even told the people what they needed to do to take part in the transition.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” - Acts 2:28-39

To the credit of the newly assembling Christians, they didn’t just see this transition before them and try to cling to the old status quo.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. - Acts 2:42-47

Still, it’s not even enough to just follow a transition with change. It is paramount that the change be lasting. Unfortunately, that is what’s often problematic for the people in today’s world. We see the efforts made by the early Christians in response to the transition stimulated by Jesus’ actions. However, today, more than two millennia removed from Jesus’ death and resurrection, many of the changes the new Christians made often aren’t followed by modern Christians. We aren’t as committed to Jesus’ teachings or to loving our fellow people or to obeying God, and as a result, the world still suffers from many of the ills that were present all those years ago.

We have to break the cycle. Here in the U.S. our leadership keeps cycling between one party and the other, yet the progress for the people seems to be stagnant no matter who is in charge. The truth is that there is only so much people can do to fix certain problems. It doesn’t matter what letter someone has identifying his or her political affiliation. At times, if the problems facing us are bigger than mankind can handle, we need a solution that is also bigger than mankind. God is that solution.

The Bible, specifically Revelation, tells us of another transition. One day this society will go from being on the precipice of destruction to being destroyed outright. At that point, the time for change will have passed. Either you will have made the necessary changes and transition from being someone grounded in the world to being someone able to share eternity with God, or you will have chosen to stick with the status quo and be destroyed with it. Either way, you should make your choice quickly because the time for transition may be shorter than any of us realize.

Chris Lawyer

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