Roots and Chaos

Things in this world do not last. There is a natural force at work, that has been ticking like a clock since God spoke “Let there be light” and there was. It is a force called entropy. This force is a scientific one that specifically determines how quickly any given system will descend into chaos. Into disorder.

For example, historically, there is a cycle of generational change. It starts like this:

1st Generation - Pioneers work hard to create new ways to do something. It breaks the boundaries of old systems and finds a new way to economically and efficiently do something.
2nd Generation- Expands on the new thing. With close tutelage from the first generation, they expand the boundaries of the new thing and reap the rewards of the first generation's hard work. They take the new vision even further.
3rd Generation- Grows up with all the benefits the first generation and second generation fought for. Having everything they need, they often make poor decisions and lose everything.

When people shift too far from their roots they might find themselves over the edge with nothing left to stand on. The Book of James is an apostolic pull back to the roots. To not forget who we are. To remember that no matter how wonderful or how horrible things are, Jesus is coming back. This world is fleeting.

“You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a vapor that appears for a little while then vanishes away.” - James 4:14 NASB

“Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!” - James 5:3

Now that’s some harsh language. But James is begging and pleading. He is talking to a group of Christians that have spread all over the known world. They aren’t in close communication anymore. And he is asking them to remember the lessons they have been taught. To remember the poor. To remember the widow and the orphan.

When I read the book of James I cannot help but ask the question: “Have we strayed from the roots?” I’m not talking about theology, or a specific system of prayer or belief. I’m simply asking, how do we help the poor? The orphan? At Granite Creek, I am reminded daily of how much we help people.

But that doesn’t mean that I can get complacent. That I can give up. This world is slowly descending into chaos. The Church at Large is fighting an uphill battle. So I am gonna remember what I was taught. I’m not gonna forget the poor and disenfranchised. I am gonna get back to my roots the same way James is asking the church to.

And I’m asking you:

• To pray

To spend time with the Lord. If you haven’t in a while, take some time

Get back to your roots with him

Play the old hymns

Have some fun

Remember all that God has brought you through. Good and Bad.

That will be our source of strength. To know Him. And to know He loves us.

Pastor Landon Spradlin