Avizandam In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters. Avise endum We live in a disposable society. In previous generations when appliances in the home and in the workplace broke, they were repaired. I always marvelled how my father could repair almost anything in the home.
whether it was a toaster, a washing machine, or a piece of furniture, He could make the repair. The thought of throwing out an appliance because it didn't work never entered his mind. He did sometimes try to repair her car, But his expertise didn't extend to car engines, other than oil changes and other simple mechanical issues. When he did attempt to make a more substantial repair on our car, It sometimes made the problem worse. Then, reluctantly, he had to pay a car mechanic.
And my mother insisted that he tried not to repair the car as it always ended with paying more money to a mechanic. Who was a friend of my father's, to fix the car and the problems my father had created in trying to repair it. How different things are today. If something breaks, our first thought is to throw it away and buy a new one. This generation wants the latest iPhone, iPad, earphones, etc.
It seems that these items have a built in obsolescence.
So we've to buy new ones. The electronics in modern cars mean that servicing often involves new electronics. For household appliances warranties are offered, but often they present real challenges for the warranties to be upheld. Why not just buy another appliance? Sadly, this disposable mindset extends to relationships.
Think of the increase of divorces For many people, it seems that if they have problems in their marriage, they end the marriage, enter into another one. and may have several marriages.
So if marriage doesn't work, and usually it doesn't, get another, and another, and another. As the old song says, I'm going to keep on trying till I get it right. Similarly, in the workplace, if we have a difficult boss, If we don't like the hours, if we get fed up with the work, we leave that employment, and look for another, and another, and another. Loyalty. Endurance, pursuing pride in her work all appear to be minimized.
I also see this in church life. Commitment to a local community of believers seems in many cases to be fragile. People are so easily offended. They leave because they hear of some exciting ministry in another church, or simply because they just want a change. And the existing church is discarded without any thought.
of the impact on the community they're leaving. Many become ecclesiastical gipsies. wandering around, trying one church after another, after another. All parts of the market. of the disposable society.
That disposable mindset also impacts relationships in the family. in the workplace and in the church. The New Testament emphasizes that we are to run the Christian race with endurance. Life is difficult. Relationships do sometimes break down.
sometimes there are good reasons for leaving our employment or our church. But we should be careful. That the choices we make are not selfish, are not hurtful. to others. We praise our great God and Saviour that He does not look on any of us as disposable.
How thankful we are that our Saviour comes to seek and to save the lost. When we stray, our gracious God does not write us off. Paul writes in Ephesians 2, verse 10. For we are his workmanship, Created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Where works in progress.
when there are flaws and failings in their life, God does not discard us. God's speciality is restoration, is renewal. is recommissioning.
However difficult our lives, we praise God for the plans and purposes He has for us. which are always for his glory, and for our good. We rejoice that our God is kind, gracious, and that His love towards us is everlasting. Our security is in Jesus Christ, who has promised that those who trust in Him shall never perish. Our God and Father never disposes of his children.
but continues to guide us and to help us. In the eyes of God, we are not disposable claypots. He is the potter. shaping us and reshaping us to conform. to the image.
of his son. Avazando. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms.
For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com/slash the verdict.
