
This blog was written by my wife and ministry partner, Kelly. I am blessed by the Lord to have been given a wife who is a continual support to me and my family. She has a kind heart of empathy and service. She stands alongside of me as we strive to serve our Savior and King, Jesus. May He help us to humbly follow His lead in order to proclaim the mercy, grace and love of our Messiah. I am honored to be able to share the thoughts Kelly has written with you. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged in the reading.
The First Industrial Revolution took place in the 18th Century. During this time period many advances were made that impacted the world in a profound way. The invention of banks was the marker of when wealth transitioned from land to money. Before the institution of banking, families measured wealth by the amount of land that was owned. The invention of the steam engine changed how work was accomplished. Prior to the steam engine, work was done manually- through the labor of men and animal. After the invention of the steam engine, physical labor turned to work done by machines. Another major shift that came as a result the First Industrial Revolution was that information began being sought instead of wisdom.[1] Throughout the years, information has become easier and easier of pass along and obtain. Information is the collection of facts and answers simple questions such as who, what, where, when and why. Information solves problems quickly without commitment. Wisdom, however, is the ability to take information and apply it using good judgement. Wisdom takes time, learning and discernment. With the increase of technology, humans have information at their fingertips. Information about any topic can be obtained within minutes. With so much information, seldom is wisdom considered to have much value in today’s culture. While progress is not necessarily a bad thing, there is always a cost for every advancement. These changes have pushed humanity from a once personal and relational society to a now self-reliant and impersonal culture.
As years progress, the problem of an impersonal society has been identified. However, the danger is pushed to a deeper level when society seeks to correct the problem. The world has attempted to prescribe a secular cure to a spiritual problem. Society has identified a lack of personalization, and has sought ways to created personal connections through avenues of technology. Many of these advancements have created a false or artificial personalization. There are many examples of false personalization such as the use of artificial intelligence. AI has recently become a “friend” and “helper” in many homes across America. It was designed to answer questions and serve you all the while it calls you by name. As it “learns to know you” through algorithms, it can make suggestions that appease individuals, satiating the need for the human other.
Impersonal society can never flourish the way God designed for us to flourish. Upon studying this information, the very familiar scripture was brought to mind. Matthew 24:12-14 reads: “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” The love of many has grown cold. We see this before our very eyes: at work, on the street, even in our homes and families. Why has the love of people grown cold? Because we live in an impersonal society- a society where everyone is out for themselves, a society where we no longer need one another, a society where our phones become our entertainment, our therapist, the place we go for answers, the only “friend” that we need. We live in a society where each one is his own god.
Many wonder why society is not flourishing. They seek for answers with questions like, “which politician or form of government can provide fulfillment and an environment where people can flourish?” Worldly solutions will never satisfy spiritual problems. We all hunger and desire to flourish because we have been created by a Creator who has instilled this into each one of us. The fact is common good cannot be found until the vulnerable flourish.[2] It can only become a reality when every single human being is seen as a person of worth. We all have worth because we were created by the One Who is worthy.[3] Flourishing community cannot be mandated or built by human hands. Our society will flourish through loving hearts, listening ears, serving hands and the love of Christ shining through us. If we as the Church don’t do this, who will? May the love of Christ compel you to take His love to the hurting. The world has no shortage of broken and hurting people. The gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations. There is a better way. It is the duty of the Church to take His testimony out the world around us.
– Kelly
[1] Andy Crouch (August 26,2020) Flourishing Culture.Youtube
[2] Andy Crouch (August 26,2020) Flourishing Culture.Youtube
[3] Revelation 4:11








