President's Message, November 2001

Suddenly our world of relative safety and security was shattered by the horrifying events of September 11. Our country and our world are gripped with fear and uncertainty. Seventh-day Adventists are experiencing many of these same feelings. We sense a world teetering on the brink of eternity. With renewed confidence we sing “Jesus is Coming Again.”

On a personal level how must we respond to the rapid changes engulfing our society? I believe we must take inventory and evaluate our spiritual condition. Is our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ strong? Are we finding in Him the peace and security for which every heart longs?

To live successfully in difficult and uncertain times, we must be spiritually fit. I Timothy 4:7, 8 says, “Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.”

Spiritual fitness can only be attained by a regimen that includes spending significant time with Jesus. Is devotional time with Him priority number one with you on a daily basis? Generosity of spirit is encouraged by faithful support of the Lord’s work. Are your personal accounts in balance? Are you sharing significant resources of time and money to further the mission of God’s church? The best demonstration of our love for God is our willingness to love our fellowmen. How many lives are you touching with hope and healing?

Those who are spiritually fit can face the future with a quiet confidence and with a sense of peace and assurance that “passeth understanding.” It’s a peace rooted and grounded in Jesus. It’s a peace that money cannot buy.