In an age of instant updates and constant breaking news, we are led to believe we know all that is going on. Everything is at our fingertips, just one click away. This age of instant information is supposed to make us more informed, but are we?

A peace treaty that has a chance to succeed means both parties are willing to meet and accede to include a mediator or peace broker. The mediator presents the opportunity and setting for peace but if either party is unwilling then peace is seldom attained. That might sound a bit like the internal conflict we have as Christians living in the flesh.

I enjoy reading and listening to all things historical because it gives me a better understanding of where we are today. History helps me define my identity and my place in time. I do admit I struggle with the idea of “re-writing” history. After all, it is already written and agreed upon. Will it make a difference? Maybe the approach is not to change history but to enhance it. Or perhaps, include other views that are often left out or not included for various reasons.

I remember a trip I took long ago to meet this special lady. She was quite an imposing figure. Her skin color was a fine tanned patina. Her face was rather stoic and determined, yet elegantly wearing her crown. She held her torch high, proudly lighting the way for all. She stood 111 feet 6 inches high, weighed over 225 tons and had a 35-foot waistline. Her tablet held in one hand is inscribed with a special date - July 4, 1776.

We have a finite time on this earth. What we do with that time matters. Does your faith as a Christian matter? Can we really make a difference? How do we make a difference?

You are God’s work in progress. God is pleased with us when we take steps out of our comfort zone and strive for growth. This obedience in progressing to be more Christ-like is ongoing. He will always have more for us to do. He will perfect you by the day Jesus returns.

In the first letter of John we are reminded of this promise of eternal life by abiding in love for Christ by walking in His light. John shares that the ways of the world will eventually fade away but that those who do the will of God live forever. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 86:11, “teach me your way O’Lord and I will walk in your truth.”

The worst part about walking across Niagara Falls on a suspended two-inch wire has nothing to do with the raging winds, nor the heavy mist slamming your face and impeding your vision or the wire swinging a foot side to side and bobbing up and down. The constant bombarding of the wind was tough enough, but the one thing Nik Wallenda did not expect was that there was “nowhere to focus” as he made his way across the 25-minute, 1500-foot walk at a height of 184 feet.

Grace is the basis and foundation for our Christian belief. Without God’s grace we do not have Christianity. Without God’s grace we have no personal salvation. Grace comes in the form of a gift from Christ alone, neither earned nor procured. As Christians we understand this grace to be the free and unmerited favor from God for undeserving and ungodly people. We experience it initially in hearing the good news and then accepting personal salvation by way of forgiveness of our sins. As Methodists we have traditionally believed the “availability of God’s grace for all.”

Each of us has undertaken our own unique path to conversion and transformation as a child of God. There are some who are still longing to set out on a path of their own but keep getting stuck in the ruts. Jesus never promised it would be an easy path. In fact, He was clear that it would be an arduous path with obstacles and detours. He warned his disciples back then, and us today, that following Him comes at a cost, but the reward is great.