Christianity and the Y2K Issue

    Today is September 9th and it marks one of the more important trigger dates for the Y2K issue and the problems that it will bring. However, the problems that have arisen because of this date have been little if any. So where does that leave us? Should we merely gloss over the Y2K dilemma and its potential for disaster or should we invest in bomb shelters and await the inevitable? This is a tough decision for many people and it is a choice that is placing barriers between us between us as a society…as everyone seems to reach for one end of the spectrum rather than seeking a middle ground of agreement.

    If I could offer an opinion to the people who would read this, it would be one of simple preparation with a mind of calm reason. So many people are looking to the millennium as an end to the world. They are placing a date on the length of their survival and incorporating the word of God to substantiate their belief. Are they right then? Before I offer my opinion, let me first state that this commentary is addressed primarily to the Christian community at large. With that said, let me answer my initial rhetorical question with this inquiry. As Christians, shouldn’t we have always been prepared and ready for the return of Christ as it could occur at any time? Should we be waiting for a declared and decided date when we should have been ready in our hearts all along? If I would be allowed to answer my own query, it would be with a resounding “yes”.

    Christians have jumped on the Y2K bandwagon in an effort to foster a resurgence in faith and because in their hearts, they feel the time of redemption doth draw near. However, I think that as Christians, we have an additional obligation. We have a pledge to remain calm and secure in our hearts and our faith. If we seek to win others over to Jesus, it should be tempered with reason and a sound mind.

    Of the books in the Bible, I am most inspired by the letters of Paul. He spoke to the masses and though he preached with emotion, he reasoned with the calm logic that is inspired by the Spirit of God. After all, the fall of technology is inconsequential before the judgment of God. Isn’t that what we as a race and people fear most? We are God-fearing because we are afraid of the consequences of our sin through God’s righteous punishment. To the non-Christian community it must sound ludicrous that we would follow and love a God that would punish us so. However, the answer to that paradox is found in the mystery of God’s love for us. He loves us so much that He would punish us for our sins. Yet, He would forgive us completely with the simple admission of our own guilt and sorrow over it. I am reminded in this instance of a short story. A man stood before a crowd and held a 20-dollar bill up for everyone to see. He asked anyone in the crowd if they wanted the money. Of course, everyone raised their hand and said yes. Then, he crumbled the bill up in his fist so that it was all wrinkled and put forth the same question. Who would like the money? Still, everyone said yes. At that, he threw the money to the ground and stamped his foot several times upon it. Then, he picked the currency up from the floor and held it high. Again he asked, who would take this money. And again, everyone raised his or her hand. At that, he said, “All of you have just learned a valuable lesson today. People are like this 20-dollar bill. Even though it was crushed and stepped on, everyone still wanted the money because you never lost faith in its innate value. Now too, you have learned how God looks upon us. Even though we fall and go through hard times, He never loses sight of how valuable He knows us to be.”

    But, I digress. My point is this. As the end of the year approaches, we should strive to accept it with reason and a calm heart. Yes, the time of God is near, but it has always been near to us. If we are afraid of the coming year, then we need to address the matter in the same manner as we address all of our fears, we should pray about it. “We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7.

    Take precautions if you are led to, but remember to be strong if trouble arises and offer comfort to those in need. If the power should go out, be optimistic and positive to those in fear. If anyone should be in need, help him or her as much as you can. And, if little or nothing happens, offer a prayer of thanks for being spared an incredible trial. Above all, remain calm and faithful. If I can impart to anyone advice today, it would be as simple as that.

    Keep walking the path!

    Matthew

    A few scriptures to offer encouragement and reflection:

    “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

    “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  Romans 12:12

    “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.”  [Philippians 4:8] (NIV)

I can be reached at malee@ix.netcom.com