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I was amazed when going back to read this article. It was originally written in 2000, long before September 11 and other events that have changed all of our lives so dramatically. Yet in many ways, I was eerily on target. See if you agree... “What If… A Look at the Future” I was handed a mini-disk that resembled a music CD but half
the size. On it written in large letters were two words: What If…
“This is my new calling card,” he said with a smile. “Take it home
and play it on your computer.” As soon as I inserted the disk, the screen
burst to life with colorful photographs while futuristic music played in the
background. A voice began asking: “What if…" What if you had the foresight to recognize major trends? What if… you had a new business idea? What if… you could build a business from your home? What if… you missed it?” For the next fifteen minutes I was given a glimpse into the future, provided by a company that had the foresight to plan ahead and offer products that might meet the needs of tomorrow’s world. Proverbs puts it another way: “My child, don’t lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them. For they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling.” (3:21-23) Good automobile drivers constantly look ahead anticipating potential hazards. Champion chess players plan at least five or six moves in advance. Successful corporations regularly schedule strategic planning sessions. It’s important. So, I conducted my own strategic planning session and came up with ten major trends that could be life changing. After reading this you may be tempted to add a few of your own. 1. The World Wide Internet will continue to affect our daily lives in dramatic new ways. 2. Home-based businesses will have an ever-increasing effect on the marketplace. 3. Ovens will become obsolete, as typical households will seldom eat cooked meals. 4. We will face increased terrorism and violence due to economic disparities and ethnic hatred. 5. Baby Boomers will create new industries as they fight to slow down the aging process. 6. Currency and filed tax returns will be virtually extinct as computers handle all financial data. 7. Hispanics will become the largest ethnic minority in the US causing a language debate. 8. Gene Therapy and biotechnology will replace traditional medicine, as the treatment of choice. 9. Traditional churches and denominations will continue their slow decline. 10.
A search for spirituality however will rise as people seek answers to
life’s deepest questions. Now what? New trends mean new problems but they also present unique opportunities for you and God’s church to offer ministry to those affected by the changes. Maybe, we could respond to each of the ten trends by seeking God’s will and asking our own, “What if…” U What if… your church could use the power of the Internet as a spiritual force for God? U What if… you could provide support for someone struggling to start a home business? U What if… your church provided a regular place where people could eat and socialize? U What if… you could support outreach ministries to victims or even terrorists themselves? U What if… your church could sponsor health clinics and offer aging support groups? U What if… you offered financial guidance and support to those caught in the credit squeeze? U What if… you studied Spanish to understand a culture and become a better witness? U What if… your church offered basic classes taught by pharmacists, nurses or doctors? U What if… you took a more active role in your church and helped to stop the decline? U
What if… you personally become involved with someone seeking
spiritual answers? One explanation often given for why churches, businesses and institutions fail is because they choose to live in the past rather than respond to the opportunities presented by the present and the future. As the new millennium unfolds, what choices will you and your church make? For fifteen minutes a little mini-disc gave me a glimpse
into the future. The announcer concluded his presentation with a question we
would all be wise to ponder prayerfully. “What
if… you had the opportunity to do something about the future and missed it?” More devotions? Try these general areas: |