Evan McClanahan
There is an old joke that takes place at a poorly-attended funeral for a crank of an old man. When the priest asks if anyone has any kind words they would like to say about the deceased, there is an awkward silence in the sanctuary. Finally, someone chimes in from the back, “His brother was worse!”
It can feel a bit like that when looking for hope. No matter the era, man feels as though the current predicament is the “worst of times,” and that there is little to look forward to. I will admit I agree that these are unusual times, times in which I find myself at odds with powerful forces. Not personally per se, but in terms of the worldview clash between believing Christianity and the secular humanism that pervades the academy, media, Hollywood, and government, we don’t want the same things or see things the same way. Worse, few people seem to represent my views in this “representative” form of government.
But I suppose the peasants in 1248 felt that way, the American Revolutionaries felt that way, the Cold Warriors felt that way, and the Pro Life crowd has felt since 1973. Every era brings its struggles.
And yet, Christians stubbornly hang on to hope. For we know at the very least, when Christ comes again, all things will be made new and His judgment will be perfect. Those who confess Christ as Lord can look forward not only the promise of eternal life, but peace with God. We can also see signs of hope here and now, too if we look hard enough. Here are six things that give me hope.
1. The Rise of Homeschooling. More families in America are homeschooling their children than ever before. Well, at least since the advent of the public school system. Many Christians are opting out of an education system that is often wasteful, dangerous, and at odds with their values. Parents are questioning the conventional wisdom of vaccines (I am not advocating one way or another here, but simply saying that questioning conventional wisdom is wise), the ubiquity of school violence, the loss of control of the classroom, and the low quality of education. Yes, many wonderful, God-fearing teachers are doing yeoman’s work in raising the next generation, and not every public school is a dangerous morass.
But more families are making the time and the sacrifices to teach their children the values that are important to their family. They are finding ways to decrease the cost and loss of time that often comes with public education. This is a great sign of family and civic health that will only increase with time, perhaps dramatically in the next few years.
2. Christians are being culled from the world. As a matter of necessity, Christians are realizing how different they are from the world. Their values, stewardship, and commitments are simply at odds with much of the culture that surrounds them. While there is some pain in that realization – for it portends everything from lost friendships to boycotting certain entertainment to possible persecution – it is clarifying. Christians are being forced to confess Christ and apply the Law and Gospel of God to every area of life or they are withdrawing from that reality. Either way, the truth is being revealed. I believe this will shrink the visible Church, but also strengthen it as a result. The Bible is full of many examples of small, but faithful armies and groups who accomplish great things with tested faith. So this culling is on the whole, a positive.
3. We live in the wealthiest, most prosperous nation on earth. I recently heard the story of someone selling their childhood home in Dallas. In need of extensive repair, the house sold for “only” $1.5 million. After extensive remodeling, the new owner turned this turn-of-the-century architectural wonder into an amazing combination of old-world craftsmanship with new technology. Having completed the remodel, they sold it for about $3.5 million…to someone who promptly leveled the home and built a brand new Modernist contraption.
Yes, we live in the wealthiest nation the world has ever seen. And that means a lack of money is not our problem. So when our worldview gets rightly aligned, we can accomplish virtually anything. Let me keep sewing and reaping so this incredible blessing can be used as a blessing for God’s Kingdom, not for destroying beautiful works architecture and design.
4. More people are raising chickens. That may sound strange, but it is an example of how more and more people are owning the process of growing food. Yes, the commercial production of food produces more food than we can eat, but I worry it is depleting the soil, saturated with chemicals, and lacking nutrition. Our only answer to poor health has become medicine. That’s terrible!
There are many who are questioning that narrative and growing more fruits and vegetables as well as eggs and meat. We should all be doing that to some degree to both get reconnected to God’s natural wonder and become more self-reliant in an age of fragile supply chains. That more are doing it tells me that more are no longer just relying on conventional production systems, but are instead trusting God to provide in the old-fashioned way. Now, if I can just convince my wife to let me have backyard chickens…
5. There are more alternatives than ever. Observing the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s tragic assassination, I was reminded how few options folks had to receive information in 1963. It was three channels for the news, perhaps a radio station or two, and books. Today, we are literally swimming in information. There are amazing videos, podcasts, and publications at our fingertips for virtually no cost. (Commercials are a cost, to be sure.) Lies and filth can be spread in these new media, but the truth can spread, too. And it is. Take advantage of this new technology. Listen to informative, faith-building podcasts rather than conventional news which is often at odds with the Christian worldview. I can make recommendations if needed.
6. This is all part of God’s plan. It may not seem like it, but it’s true. God has a reason for all things. God is sovereign. And God is good. While we may not like the direction this world is going, that doesn’t mean God is not working all things for the good. Trust God and be patient with Him. This will be revealed if we pay attention now, and when Christ comes again.