Differing opinions

Secular wisdom proposes that progress is premised upon an exuberant blossoming of youth. Moving forward is tied to the breaking down of antiquities, moulds, models and norms. Youth must display flamboyant boldness, even brashness if necessary, in their challenge of their elders. Words and deeds are to be punctuated with derring-do, even if a shade lacking, owing to innocence and gullibility. Hopeful optimism, unconventional creativity, are to be encouraged to allow for latitude and to breach new heights and depths. No institution is inviolate; everything can and must be challenged. All boundaries must be subjected to “reinvigorated” examination. The clarion trumpet call is that the only constant is change, the objective, pushing the envelop.

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deut 6:4-9)

The biblical model is somewhat sedate in comparison. Much is promised by the simple act of remembering. We are told “to tell the story, speak to the children at every opportunity, make physical items that would help remind us” of the goodness, the faithfulness, and the mercies of the LORD. We are encouraged to remember, hold dearly and wear around our necks, what our fathers and mothers have taught us. We are told to stand, and with respect, for the aged sages of the community. We should search the scriptures first, the old paths second. We are encouraged to come together as a community, regularly, to collectively discourse and remind each the other, of the mercies of the LORD. And most important of all, we should all learn, to fear the LORD. The Wisdom of Solomon proposes that in the final analysis, there is nothing “new” under the sun; despite all the hype and fireworks, bells and whistles, the novel is merely a rehash. It is true that “new” wine requires new wineskins; still one has to conclude that the early necessary fermentation releases, but a lot of gas! We must be careful, not forget that the Lord Himself in Matthew expressly prohibited the elevation of any persons to the stature of fathers, teachers or masters. It was never required that we demonstrate to any other, unquestioning deference or stoic loyalties, but careful consideration of the traditions were to be encouraged. That the greatest among us must be the servant, is a truth, testament of the grace and glory of the LORD.

And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'"(Job 28:28)

God bless.



/ckh