Charles Dickens began his book, “A Tale of Two Cities”, with these words:
“IT WAS the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair,”…
Mr. Dickens penned those words in regards to the year 1775; they express how he felt about that particular time.
We, like Dickens, are living in "the best of times," and "the worst of times." There has never been a better era in which to live, but the world has never been more wicked than it is now. It is your choice as to which side you will live in. Will you choose to live in "the epoch of belief" or the "epoch of incredulity?" The world and it's violent ugliness has created a time so bad that it is unprecedented in the history of the world. We are, however, living in the greatest, most powerful time the church has ever known.
Monday, January 21, 2008
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5 comments:
Hi Brian, Don't you think it is always, "the best of times [and] the worst of times"? The glass that one sees as half empty, another sees as half full. It's like the choice to be happy. None of us can do anything about the state of the entire world, but we can choose the people with whom we associate and the books we read and the lifestyle we embrace. We can choose whether or not we trust God and read His word and "pray without ceasing." We can choose to be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. Times of faith are always the "best of times." And world will always hold many who choose otherwise. We can strive for excellence and believe in God's perfection. And we can recognize that sometimes what feels like "the worst of times" is temporary. (This, too, shall pass.)
Les meilleurs et les plus mauvais... la lumière brille plu brillante dans la nuit la plus noire.
I too believe that this is the greatest hour for the church - Jesus said so - "greater than these".
It is wonderful to be in the "best of times." (Especially with you) The darker the world becomes, the brighter the church shines. I'm glad to be part of the church. Great post.
How true your words. It is time for the church to shine as never before, and with the "best" and "worst" God has given us the tools to move forward. Loved how you presented your thoughts through Dickens writings.
Helen-alot of what we are depends on how we see theings. When we live in faith we tend not to worry about the "worst of times," which are as you say, temporary.
Catherine-il n'y a pas de moment comme celui-ci a vivre.
Jana - Babe any time is the best of times when I can be with you.
Sis Hopper - Let's move forward, with the church, like never before.
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