Torch, Summer 2003

doubtful buying public increasingly disregards advertising claims. So, in an era where disillusion brings a cynical skepticism and an underlying suspicion to many interpersonal relationships, what can a Christian do? men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these. ... 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them; 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Hard change can bring about the worst in people. Threat with sufficient strength and duration can unmask the sinful selfishness at the heart of all people. Paul provides Timothy an unflinching look at what changes and conflict could reveal about people. His list (in II Timothy 3:2-5) sounds all too contemporary in today’s world. One need only review recent history to discover abundant examples of those who loved money more than integrity, who lacked self-control, and who traded principle for pleasure. There are days when one wonders whether anything, or anybody, is really what they seem. Our hearts yearn for authenticity. So many people are disillusioned, both in their professional and personal lives. This is readily apparent in the commercial arena. Promises are too easily made and more easily broken. Managers and unions too often bargain insincerely. Too many companies excuse too many poor decisions by claiming they are victims of external events. An even more increasingly jaded and continued on page 14 Homecoming 2003 October 10-11 Don’t miss Homecoming 2003 as we celebrate the installation of Dr. William Brown as the ninth president of Cedarville University. Highlights include: • Reunions for classes ending in 3 and 8 • Inaugural Alumni Chapel • Evening soccer game under the lights • Cedarville University theatre presentation • Athletic events • Events for military, international adoptions, and communication arts majors • Homecoming parade (beginning at 9:30 a.m.) • Inaugural Praise Concert • Fitness-Recreation-Health Center tours Call 1-800-837-2566 for more information or to help with a reunion. Individual letters of invitation will be sent this summer for each reunion. Summer 2003 / TORCH 11