Paradigm Shift

The term "paradigm shift" was originally used over forty years ago to explain the transition from an established scientific viewpoint to a radically new one… A standard paradigm, ordinary model, or traditional interpretation continues undisturbed for such a long time that we think of it as reality itself. Problems, anomalies, and things that do not fit tend to get swept under the rug of normalcy, until the mound gets so big that people start stumbling over it. But the set paradigm or normative model holds fast until a new vision emerges that explains not only all the older one did, but also those other discrepancies that the old model could not.

And do not these words relate to every generation of history? How much more do these words relate to the unfolding of church history over the past half millennium? Since the great Reformation, within each generation, there has been a stirring by one or a few or a larger group, challenging the status quo, calling for a paradigm shift.

We should not partake of such for simply the sake of taking part in such. Movements are just movements. Revolutions are just revolutions. But if they are of God, they will have a lasting effect.

I am reminded of the words of one wise man:

So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” (Gamaliel – Acts 5:38-39)

There are even now ‘mounds of normalcy’ that have been gathered under the rug. People have been stumbling over them and more are beginning to take notice.

Change is our lot in life. We are called into a life of transformation and restoration. Let us, as we hear and are stirred by God, be challenged to bring about the transformative, paradigm-shifting of the kingdom rule of God.

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The Lost Generation
By Jonathan Reed

I am part of the lost generation.
And I refuse to believe that
I can change the world.
I realize this may be a shock but
“Happiness comes from within”
Is a lie.
“Money will make me happy.”
So in 30 years I will tell my children
They are not the most important in my life.
My employer will know that
I have my priorities straight because
Work
Is more important than
Family
I tell you this
Once upon a time
Families stayed together
But this will not be true in my era
This is a quick fix society
Experts tell me
30 years from now, I will be celebrating the 10th
Anniversary of my divorce
I do not concede that
I will live in a country of my own making
In the future
Environmental destruction will be the norm
No longer can be said that
My peers and I care about this earth
It will be evident that
My generation is apathetic and lethargic
It is foolish to presume that
There is hope.

(Paradigm Shift- Read/recite the poem in reverse order)

There is hope.
It is foolish to presume that
My generation is apathetic and lethargic.
It will be evident that
My peers and I care about this earth.
No longer can be said that
Environmental destruction will be the norm.
In the future
I will live in a country of my own making.
I do not concede that
30 years from now, I will be celebration the 10th
Anniversary of my divorce.
Experts tell me
This is a quick fix society
But this will not be true in my era
Families stayed together
Once upon a time
I tell you this Family
Is more important than Work
I have my priorities straight because
My employer will know that
They are not the most important in my life
So in 30 years I will tell my children
“Money will make me happy.”
Is a lie
“Happiness comes from within”
I realize this may be a shock but
I can change the world
And I refuse to believe that
I am part of the lost generation