Even as a child, I loved history. It all began with fairy tales. Kings, queens, princesses, castles – I loved it all. I wanted to be a princess, not for wealth or power, but to wear beautiful dresses and live in a fancy house. (And when I got a little older – for the romance of prince charming finding me!) These fairy tales painted history for me. And when I went to school and learned about actual kings and queens, I viewed that history through my fairy-tale lenses.
As I grew and began to separate fact from fiction, I still enjoyed learning history. Even now, I am intrigued by the civilizations of the past; how people lived and what their day-to-day lives must have been like. I appreciate the people of old for their ingenuity, fortitude, skills and accomplishments. I am fascinated by the construction feats of the ancient cultures and impressed that there are structures like the castles in Europe that were built hundreds and hundreds of years ago and still can be lived in.
I love fashion throughout history. I stand in amazement of the artwork of the great masters and the music of the great composers. All these things are windows into the culture of their time. I am partial to antiques and handmade crafts because they depict skills that are waning in this day and time.
I love my ancestry. I wish I could have met my great-grandparents or at least heard stories about their lives. I wish I had asked more questions of my grandparents. And I wish I had written down the stories they did tell me.
There is nothing wrong with appreciating the past. There is no harm in studying history. Understanding the past helps us now because we can learn from it. And our past is definitely a factor in who we are. But our appreciation of the past can never overshadow our dedication to the present.
If we view the past as a more desirable time to live, it is likely due to one of two things. Either we are still looking at the past through fairy-tale lenses; or we are dissatisfied with our current circumstances. It might be a combination of both.
So, what’s the answer?
You must realize that right now, this moment in time, is your slice of history. This is your time to shine! This is your chance to make a difference. This is your opportunity to be part of history!
The Bible tells us that God chose us from before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4) And we know that God is omniscient. So, it stands to reason that when God called us, He knew exactly when and where we would live. In other words, God called each one of us to be alive right now, right here. This is our time and place. This is our slice of history.
And God, by His grace and mercy has called us to a very wonderful time and place in history. A time and place that the Bible is readily available and freely taught. A time and place of freedom to speak God’s Word and proclaim His goodness. A time and place that we can pray as likeminded believers and see great signs, miracles and wonders following. A time and place that we are freed from the fetters of sin and guilt. A time and place that we can live our lives super abundantly because we are born again.
What are we going to do with this freedom? Are we going to stand on the Biblical principles that our country was founded on? Are we going to proclaim that God is our Father and His son, Christ Jesus has made us free? Are we going to tell others about God’s Word so they too can be saved?
John 8:36 – If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
This is our time and our slice of history. Today! Right now! We are making history, and the world is a better place because we are here. Our lives are important. Our earthen vessels are filled to capacity with a priceless commodity – Christ in us, the hope of glory. We are bringing the way of God, the truth of God and the light of God to our generation.
Let’s make the most of our own slice of history. Let’s take a stand for God, being clothed with the whole armor He gave us. Let’s speak God’s Word with boldness and let’s love one another with God’s love. In this world, we have only this moment in history, let’s live and give our utmost for His Highest!
We may never be written about in the history books. There may never be a statue of us in the town square. People may never ask for our autographs. But in God’s eyes we are everything! Not only are our names written in God’s Book of Life, but we also have the privilege and responsibility to help others get their names written in there too! God has no other hands but our hands…
Note to my readers: Enjoy your slice of history! Challenge yourself to really see how important you are, not only to the world, but also to God! Thanks for reading.