CHANGES IN THE WAY WE DO THINGS

God bless the teachers in the United States. As I have watched the teaching profession evolve while being a part of that endeavor, and as president of a board of education, I am glad I do not have to put up with all the nonsense that spews out of mouths that reside in Washington and in state capitals. Boards of Education are responsible for many problems in education because it appears that some members are more interested in seeing their names in print and their image on television than making sure young people are given a good education. There was, of course, a time in education that the teacher knew more than the student, and parents were very supportive of the teacher. Sadly, that day is long gone and everyone knows more about teaching than the teacher. I have said for several years that the two greatest assets a school district has are its students and its teachers. We can have school without a board, superintendent and principal, but we cannot have school without a teacher and a student. In spite of this, many districts treat teachers in a negative way rather than assist them in making their task easier.

As I look at the church and see the great diversity in styles of worship, dress, music, and preaching styles, I wonder where we are going. The Muslim world appears to be more united in what they believe and have no toleration for disrespect to their god. Do you ever wonder if modern day Christianity has the intestinal fortitude to stand face to face with the fanatics of this terrorist threat? I marvel that many of our missionaries put their lives on the line on a daily basis. Am I willing to do that? Little by little, we see the opportunities we once had taken away in the name of political correctness. When I was in elementary school, we had a Christmas program in which all students wore white. My earliest remembrance of "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" was not from singing it in church, but as the students marched into the gym for that program at school. In high school, at Christmas time, we used to roll the piano out into the hall, sit on the steps and sing Christmas Carols. At the time I thought nothing about one of my really good friends being subject to those special times for me since he was Jewish. He never said a word about it one way or the other. I was certainly insensitive to his needs and beliefs.

We do need boards of education, superintendents, and principals. They certainly have a lot on their plates; however, they need to do everything they can to make teaching more enjoyable and let the teachers know they are doing everything they can to be supportive. That would be a great change. We also need to be more caring in regard to the religious beliefs of friends who do not believe like we believe.

In the 21st century church, the way we worship doesn't have to be the way we used to do it. Mordern day music in the church is certainly drawing people; people do not dress up to go to chruch, it is casual. Many folks like that. Praise and worship is not new. The church has been doing that for centuries. It is just different from days gone by. What is important in church? The important aspect of worship is that "Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday, and forever." We may change the way we worship, but God forbid that we ever attempt to change that eternal truth. May we never be afraid of change if it is necessary, but let us resolve that God's Word is eternal. As the song writer once penned: "He Never changes."