Psalm 102:25-26 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

The things of the natural world were created to change. We have marveled at earth’s ability to heal herself after asteroids destroyed life and life had to begin again. We use the oil reserves that were created during those years and buried for millions of years. Many call it a happy accident. I am not so inclined.

We read in the bible of miraculous healing performed that changed people’s lives. Children raised from the dead, the blind made to see, healing upon healing of every sort by both prophets of old and Jesus Christ. In the case of Christ those that were changed forever in more than just an outward appearance. Hearts were changed.

We advance in time to this day and we see a world trying to force change. Let us not focus on war which is ever present and a real danger in force of will. Let us focus on appearances for a moment. Obesity is prevalent, glamour is desired, fitness is admired, and self-effort is on the subject of many magazines and books. What is the latest craze in diets? What is the world coming to when we decide we are unhappy with who we are and will take the most drastic steps to change who we are by sheer will?

In the opening verse these words ring true, “shalt thou change them”. Much is to be learned about the meaning of vesture but for this blog allow me to point to the issues of change of identity. In those days one could tell what you were by what you wore.

It is not so simple today.

Acts 22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Can we see the zealous nature of Paul? He speaks with passion about a life well lived. Let us set aside what we know will come next in his profession of faith as counting all lost to win Christ. Let us examine the natural passion of Paul in his zealot nature. Paul did not stop being a passionate man. He only changed his love of the law for the love of Christ.

Many times in Paul’s writings to the churches his passion comes through in his words. To a novice those expressions can be overwhelming, maybe even overbearing. Some might embrace his fire while others might want a bit of distance from the heat.

Zechariah 8:16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

Zechariah’s tone might lack the zeal of Paul but his truth is just as vital as any Paul preached. The issue at hand is over understanding our own nature in the way we express our passion for Christ. Was I abrasive in the way I spoke to others in my past? Was I well received or did people try and distance themselves from me? Do I come off sincere or just full of myself?

Style might be one of the more difficult attributes for an individual to change. One thing I have learned from Paul in his ministry and it serves me well.

1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Know your audience.