The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
Why the Gospel remains our only steady hope in a rapidly shifting world.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
This decade has brought some of the most disorienting experiences in generations. It began with a global shutdown caused by the pandemic. That pandemic triggered the largest cash stimulus in history, roughly $15 trillion globally, and has been followed by a turbulent economic reality, especially for young people. Inflation has surged, housing has become increasingly inaccessible, and the job market feels unpredictable at best.
Layered on top of this is the rise of the AI age, reshaping everything from industry to the nature of relationships. As if that were not enough, we are now trying to make sense of multiple military conflicts involving major world powers, along with the resulting uncertainty around energy supply and even the stability of democratic systems that underpin our societies.
On a global scale, it is a wild time. No doubt.
In Canada, Christians are nervously watching the evolving legal context for proclaiming the Gospel, which is under very real threat.
So what do we do as Christians? How do we think as church planters and missiologists?
Do we get political? Do we despair and grieve? What do we do?
We place our hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Only Message That Endures
After speaking with thousands of people through relational evangelism, I am convinced that the Gospel is the only answer that sustains through the ever-changing forces of culture. Only the Gospel reconciles us to God, to ourselves, and to one another. Only the Gospel gives us a durable hope for the future.
In our evangelistic conversations, we encounter a wide range of responses. Many people are not asking deep metaphysical questions. They are simply trying to get by. Others are passionate activists, seeking to repair the world through their chosen framework. Still others are deeply committed to other faiths, convinced they have found the way to life.
Whether it is the disconnected survivalist, the engaged activist, or the religious zealot, every person is trying to make sense of the world. And even though our social, economic, and professional realities are shifting at a rapid pace, the fundamental questions remain unchanged.
Who am I?
Where do I belong?
What is my purpose?
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Why Our Strategy Must Remain the Same
This is why our primary hope and strategy must remain rooted in the Gospel. It is the unchanging good news for a world constantly searching for answers.
Our focus must be on forming people with Gospel clarity and deep scriptural foundations, far more than chasing popular topics, offering life advice, or reacting to the latest news cycle.
Relevance is a mirage. The more we chase it, the further it seems to move away.
Instead, we anchor ourselves in what does not change.
Five Anchors for Disciple-Makers
Here are a few foundational practices that can ground us personally and communally as disciple-makers:
Cultivate Gospel clarity
Help people understand emotionally, intellectually, and practically, the significance of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Gospel is not a message we move on from. It is the message we return to every day.
Prioritize Scripture formation
The Gospel is not an abstract idea. It is rooted in the testimony of Scripture. As we learn the heart of God through His Word, we are formed into His likeness.
Emphasize the Lordship of Jesus
Jesus is Lord. He is sovereign over this world, which means we can trust Him. It also means we are called to submit to Him. We may not be able to change the world, but we can allow Christ to change our world by changing us.
Prepare people for suffering
We are not naturally inclined to accept suffering, yet even a surface reading of the New Testament makes it clear that hardship is part of the Christian life. We do not need to fear the future. We can embrace it, trusting that Jesus will give us the strength to endure and ultimately bring justice.
Provide context
When we place our current challenges within both historical and global perspectives, we gain perspective. Our brothers and sisters throughout history have demonstrated courage, faith, and resilience in far more uncertain conditions.
Do Not Despair
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
So do not despair, friends. Place your hope in our God who saves.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13