As the much-anticipated Superbowl has played, I heard many people talking about who they think is the G.O.A.T. (The Greatest of All Time). I listened to their reasoning and excitement and realized that they put a lot of energy into their assessment. They know the players histories, stats, strengths, weaknesses, tenure, and experience on and off the field. It’s something as a society that we obviously really care about. But, when we really think about it, for most people this information can only be used in a temporal social setting. What real long-term benefit does making 600 career passing touchdowns in football or 38,390 career points in basketball have? How many lives were saved? How many starving mouths were fed? What illness does that cure? What injustice has been righted? I don’t mean to be a hater; I am just trying to put things in perspective.
When we think of greatness, value, and glory shouldn’t it transcend personal achievement into universal impact? Shouldn’t we put as much effort and passion into the things that will benefit the most people the greatest and for the longest time (Utilitarianism)? I mean this in relationship to individuals, institutions, as a society and humanity. The things we invest our time, energy, and hearts into should have lasting value.
The students and staff at Good News Seminary and Bible College enjoy attending and teaching at the school because it gives us an opportunity to look beyond ourselves and our present environment and time. The things we learn and share in class have the potential to really change people’s lives in the present tense and in the eternal.
One of the classes the undergrad students are currently studying is Church History where we are taking a closer look at the impact the church has had on the world in implementing God’s plan. Have you ever thought about history being the roll out of God’s plan (HIS-Story)? Like any great story there are five essential elements: Characters, Setting, Plot, Conflict and Resolution. In studying church history, we are introduced to hundreds of historical elements each of which can give us insight to where and how God is taking humanity toward His purpose. We can see the challenges and successes of the past and use them as a baseline for making godly decisions in our futures.
So since you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1
It is true that the Bible is the greatest story ever told, however church history is the greatest story ever written and it is still being written by God himself, the true GOAT.
