From the Pulpit: Living in a VUCA world
We live in a VUCA world. The acronym was coined more than 30 years ago. It describes Volatile, Uncertain, Confusing and Ambiguous events. It is an apt description of recent happenings. But, has not the world always been VUCA? Ever since Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, humankind has lived in a volatile, uncertain, confusing, ambiguous world. Sin creates that kind of world. It is the consequence of living outside of Paradise in the absence of a living relationship with God.
The world Jesus lived in was VUCA. Yet, he always appeared to be certain, to be calm and purposeful. The Lord did not even resist when he was arrested. He did not attempt to defend himself against false witnesses. He did not respond when confronted at His unjust trial. Finally, the High Priest asked, “Are you the Christ?’ … Jesus said, ‘I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.’” (Mark 16:62) Jesus’ answer reveals His firm confidence in the Father’s plan. It also put the VUCA circumstances he faced in perspective. Their significance faded in the light of the Father’s purposes and His own future. His awareness of God’s purposes gave clarity to the present.
When you encounter VUCA circumstances like the ones we are witnessing on the streets of America’s cities, or the chaos caused by a worldwide pandemic; when confusion reigns, where do you turn? I suggest it is possible to remain calm in the middle of a storm by doing as Jesus did. Jesus reminded His tormentors, of God’s purposes. Just before His arrest our Lord prayed, yielded His will to the Father’s. Christ has made provision for our forgiveness and our eternal welfare. We live with the promise of His return and the assurance that He will never leave us nor forsake us until He does return. Our volatile, uncertain, confusing, and ambiguous circumstances do not have the final say. The final word will be spoken by the God whose Word brought the universe into existence.
Volatile times do not nullify the Father’s plan. Nor do they undermine the certainty of our Lord’s Return. The apostle Paul wrote to Titus, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13). That puts all things into perspective.
Believers in the 1st Century prevailed in their VUCA world because they placed unwavering trust in the One who promised to return in final triumph over evil. So, put your confidence in God’s eternal purpose. Reaffirm your faith. Renew your trust and announce the gospel with confidence. Celebrate the resurrection and look forward to Jesus coming again. Remind one another that there is a good end to this story. Christ is Lord. He is coming again. People of every tribe and language and nation shall bow down before him. The chaos will end. His enemies shall become his footstool. There is a righteous, holy, loving, just, peaceful and eternal kingdom that awaits just around the corner.