In Theory: Biggest memories of the 2000s

But, seriously, as the biblical prophets urged, put first things first. What they meant was to get right with God before anything else. Jesus put it this way: “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). In other words, trust God first, and God will supply what you need — maybe not what you want, but what you need!

Happy new year!

THE REV. CLIFFORD L. “SKIP” LINDEMAN

La Cañada Congregational Church

There are so many distinguishing events of the past decade. We are all aware, for example, of the horrors of terrorism and war; the evolving political landscape shaping the 21st century; the explosive growth of the Internet with almost universal access and newfound freedoms of expression; the potential for changing climate; and the economy. One could ponder and write in depth about each of these.

Increasingly evident behind many such events is the way human capabilities and capacities are increasing exponentially, at ever larger rates, with greater impacts and greater inter-dependencies. It’s a time laden with responsibility, unlike anything that has gone before. It’s also filled with hope.

But what about the spiritual side of this momentum? Every action or undertaking begins with an idea, a thought. As we let the Christ-message motivate our consciousness, we are led to better ideas. We all possess this ability, no matter what our station in life. As Paul wrote in his epistle to the Ephesians:, “We are his [God’s] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” and in II Corinthians: “Behold, now is the accepted time.”

This points to our influence on both the present and the future. Mary Baker Eddy wrote in her book, “Miscellaneous Writings”: “The present is ours; the future, big with events,” and, “That tomorrow starts from today and is one day beyond it, robes the future with hope’s rainbow hues.”

We live in an exciting era, with individual ability to be informed about and influence events to an unprecedented degree. We can also contribute prayerfully through understanding that God is in control of his creation, that both those with larger responsibilities and those in humble situations are nurtured by God’s love.