Dear Trekker,

We are on the verge of the holiday season. In a few days, Halloween will be upon us. Though an early religious holiday in Western civilization, Halloween’s current form of merriment and secularization suggests little that is effective in practical religion. In fact, the opposite is true. And next month, traditionally, Thanksgiving is the high point on the calendar. However, commercialization of Christmas is rapidly pushing Thanksgiving out the door.

Yet, if any holiday should ever be viable over time, “thanks giving” likely will be celebrated. Memories of the past, appreciation for life’s goodness to us all, etc. find their way into our hearts and minds. Faith and reason make memories worth preserving in gratitude! Yet even today, thanks, (or gratitude) seems to take a back seat to “beating or beating up on” one’s fellow man! At least we sense this in the burdensome world of politics!

Where is the integrity, intelligence and old-fashioned wisdom today that is the bedrock of our culture for which we give thanks and with which we lay the groundwork for a successful culture for tomorrow? Where are our leaders who call us to a “higher plane” than the muck and mire of the day? Are we so obsessed with climate change, political foment, etc. that we have forgotten “who’s in charge?”

The subject of this month’s MEN asks a basic question, “Who’s in charge?” “Who has the conn of life?” Or we might ask it differently – “Is God in control or is man?” Conn is an old military term the military mind understands instinctively, particularly naval types. Whoever “has the conn,” has the helm, and is charged with navigating, piloting or steering the naval vessel where it should go. (Star Trek fans quickly understand the term as well.) The captain often passes the “conn” to a junior officer. Authority is delegated – ultimate responsibility is not!

When we consider our “three score and ten” (which has advanced to four score recently), whoever has the conn of life has a tall order! Clearly, God is in the picture, whether we welcome him and give him thanks or not! Proverbs 16:4 is most insightful here: “The Lord makes everything (everyone) for his purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble!” Does this not clearly acknowledge the “conn” of the Lord? Does this fact reassure us as believers?” Is this the foundation of our “thanks be to God.” I hope so!

But the issues of the day are confusing! Where are our leaders who see both God’s over-arching responsibility and man’s authority (and responsibility) to rule wisely, patiently and benevolently? What is the role of politics in culture? Do politics, any politics change culture and secure it for future generations? And if politics does not fulfill this responsibility, how do we build for future generations?

As we enter another holiday season, oh, how we need a fresh awakening of God. The Psalmist captures a praise banner for God in Psalm 148: “Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights above.” And, in verses 5 and 6: “Let them (this is us, trekker) praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created. He set them in place for ever and ever; He gave a decree that will never pass away.” Yes, yes, God has the conn of life. No wonder the Lord set the stage for understanding when he declared in His incarnate state: “I am come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. By definition, the opposite is true! Without God in the picture as Creator, Savior, Redeemer, and Empowerer, the abundant life will slip through our grasp, no matter how strong an economy is! Our culture today cries for leadership to call us back to God. Our faith must transcend expedient politics – always!

Once again we have conscientiously or unconscientiously left God out of the picture. Regardless, the result is the same. The strength of our Western culture has always been the synthesis of faith (in God alone) and reason. Today, that synthesis is under attack from the East by radical Islam (faith without reason) and from within our Western culture by aggressive secularism (so-called reason without faith). No culture can last, maintain its vibrancy, be thankful for its heritage, etc. as it is waffled to and fro in such a maelstrom of madness.

But there is always Hope. That is the story of redemption. God takes the initiative to return us back to Himself. That is the story of salvation. We can turn back to God! II Chronicles 7:14 is often quoted by Christians today, but its truths are timeless: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Quite a recipe for God’s blessing and the foundation of all thanksgiving!

This verse outlines four things Christian believers must do. Not Americans per se, but believers, “my people.” It was the Israelites in the day it was written. The eternal truth of redemption (turning back to God) applies to all Christians today. But notice the four things: 1) humble themselves, 2) pray, 3) seek my face, and 4) turn from their wicked ways.

What does it mean to humble oneself? Well, it begins by acknowledging that God is in control of our lives, and we better “listen up” as He forever speaks through His written word and powerful voice in nature, in creation, in redemption. What He says is true! One is to never fear, but trust and obey. That is true humility. He is in charge! “Pray” is responsibility #2. We should pray first that the Holy Spirit would help us to humble ourselves! It is about “our” change, not change by unbelievers. (Apart from God, they have no viability to change.) “Seek His face” is responsibility #3. What does it mean to seek His face? An in-your-face challenge! Perhaps…go to Him first and always. Do it regularly, passionately, and obediently! Are we reserving “first place” in our lives for Him? “Turn from our wicked ways” is #4. Is there anything more wicked-like than for the believer to not put God on the throne of his or her life…or take Him off, in practice, if once put there? I don’t think so.

Maybe this statement on a plaque in my man cave sums it up (it does for me!): From generation to generation, men have encouraged one another in their FAITH and have passed along their faith to their family and friends. These men are not famous and not household names, but their love for Jesus is undeniable. These are the everyday heroes of the faith – men of whom the Lord will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Your fellow servant and friend,

Jim Meredith