Gradual Changes

Having used a photograph in yesterday’s blog, the thought crossed my mind that illustrations of clothing styles from 1400 to the present would show drastic changes in dress that took place so slowly and gradually that the changes were not noticed on a day-to-day basis. I found it too difficult to produce those photos and illustrations. My blog space does not allow for a complete gallery of changing fashions across 600 years. You know, however, what I’m talking about, I’m sure. Styles are constantly changing, but the changes take place so slowly that they nearly always seem like this month’s styles are just like last month’s styles.
The same is true with us as people. I ran across a baby picture of me the other day, and it does not look like me as I appear today. I have changed. If, however, an observer had seen me every day of my life, he would gladly testify that I looked the same on any given day as I had looked the day before. The fact that I have changed so much over the many years is proof that change took place. It was slow and gradual, but ever so steady.
The library you frequent is not the same as it was a hundred years ago. Why? Because our culture is changing. Constantly.
The discussions in Sunday School classes are different than they were a hundred years ago. Once upon a time we spent our time discussing the lives of Biblical characters. We still do, but the emphasis these days is not just what those people did long ago, but the discussions invariably develop into studies and opinions about relationships. Most class members are more interested in how the application of the lesson will affect their daily lives than whether doctrines are orthodox. Further evidence that life is always changing, however gradually.
Jesus was taken to Jerusalem when he was a baby. Hardly anyone noticed. He was taken there again when he was twelve years old, and that time his discussions with religious leaders in the Temple caught their attention. He went there again on the last week of his earthly life, and experienced hatred and mob violence that was sanctioned by the Roman authorities; he was crucified. Life is constantly changing, and sometimes the results are painful.
God promises us his presence and help through all the changes we experience. He never changes. He always loves us.