Friday Fodder

Etymology is the study of words and how they evolve into meanings different than the original. The meaning of words can also remain constant but how we choose to use them in language might change. For example, does the word "commitment" mean something different than it did fifty years ago? 20 years ago? What about the word "loyalty"? Any change in meaning or how we choose to use that word?

Recently, I've thought much about commitment and loyalty. It seems in present day society, we're only commited to what seems to be convenient for us. One might consider the divorce rate and how the number has seen a sharp incline over recent decates.

Loyalty seems to have changed recently as well. While growing up, I was taught to fulfill your obligations, persevere to the end, and support the small business man who is just trying to make a living. Twenty years later, our society has welcomed commercialization. The small business man has closed shop for the mega store(s).

Many times our attitudes have become "I'll be committed as long as its convenient. I'll persevere until it gets to uncomfortable. I'm loyal until someone or something better comes along." What will societies view of commitment and loyalty look like 20years or 50 years from now? In other words, what are our future generations learning from us today?

When I think about the Bride of Christ, sadly I see no difference than the above. The divorce rate among Christians is similar to that of unbelievers. Church hopping seems to be at an all-time high. Too many believers live with an attitude of "que sara sara - what will be will be". We act like we're in first grade by taking our toys and going home, just because things didn't go our way.

So how 'bout it? Am I making too much of this? Or is something we should be concerned about? Thoughts?