This past week, Texans observed the second anniversary of the visit paid our area by Hurricane Ike. This unwelcome visitor did his damage 2 years ago in just a few short hours of fierce winds, violent tornados, torrential rainfall, and deadly flooding. The effect of the storm, however, was much more than short-term. Friends, neighbors, family, and volunteers from across the nation worked together for weeks to restore normalcy. Churches mobilized to work alongside the Red Cross and governmental agencies in response to the crisis. While most households have recovered from the storm, there are still some situations that have not yet been restored to pre-Ike conditions. Anniversaries of significant events from the past serve now as a challenge for how to live in the present. The Ike anniversary is a current events reminder for 2010.
God’s Word speaks to daily life now as memories of Ike are filtered through Biblical truth. One lesson from Ike is that Christians must treasure that which is truly valuable. Therefore, recognize the instability of earthly possessions. This reality is graphically illustrated in the photos from September 2008 and clearly taught in Jesus’ words and example. The most concise compilation of Biblical teachings on the real purpose of life is recorded in the gospel, penned by Matthew, spoken by Jesus, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. This passage is commonly referenced as the Sermon on the Mount. One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside & sat down. His disciples gathered around him, & he began to teach them. Matthew 5:1-2 In this outdoor setting, Jesus addressed many topics as He spoke of “greater values”, or life treasures. For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life… for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34
To paraphrase this lesson for 2010 … don’t treasure things that hurricanes like Ike will blow away. Place your greatest values in the priorities of the kingdom of heaven. Those greater values are expressed in your relationships with people. The words and teachings of Jesus offer piratical insight in how to live these greater values. Ike lessons understood in Sermon on the Mount principles offer insight in how to recover from past storms and to weather any potential disasters when and if they come.

Holiday rituals are a significant aspect of religious practice for most world religions. For example, two groups recently observed their most important annual rites. Muslims concluded Ramadan on September 10th after a month of daily fasting and nightly feasting. Also, on September 17th, Jews observed Yom Kippur, the annual Day of Atonement. These faiths trace their spiritual genealogy to Abraham, and Christianity also recognizes this patriarch through the Old Testament roots of our faith. Thus, the world religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are linked historically. The reality is, however, that all three religions cannot be true even though there is a common ancestry. Christianity is tolerant in recognizing absolute freedom of religious choice for everyone, but doctrinal fidelity is intolerant also. This fanaticism is simple agreement with what Jesus claimed. “I am the way and the truth and the life…” (John 14:6) The clear Biblical doctrine is that truth and salvation are through Jesus alone. Jesus demanded absolute allegiance to Him through relationship of grace. Piety toward God and fidelity with others is not due to religion, but is the greater value of a transformation of the heart. As Christ-followers, our affirmation is that Jesus is Lord. (Romans 10:8-10) We are then empowered for a lifestyle of grace that is much more than an annual ritual. Christianity as a part of the religious community in the USA teaches respect for the beliefs of others. An individual Christian’s relationship with Muslims, Jews, or even an irreligious person must always be loving and respectful. Truth spoken in love leads Christ-followers to invite anyone regardless of their worldview or prior religion to know Jesus personally by grace through faith. The greater value of Christianity is that faith shapes the culture instead of allowing the culture to change our faith!