Dear Church Family – “Ideas have consequences.” The prevailing idea in modern American culture is that each of us should “follow our own heart,” decide our own gender-identity and sexual orientation. How’s that working out for America? Mental Health Officials report that Anxiety Disorders now affect one-third of teens aged 13 to 18. At university counseling centers across America, over 51% of students who seek counseling say they are there because of anxiety. Before 2009 it was only 37%. Thaddeus Williams, associate professor of systematic theology for the Talbot School of Theology, has done a great job of pointing out the “consequence of ideas.” He said, “It is no accident that the Age of Feeling is giving way to the Age of Anxiety. Sure, there are many contributing factors—the alienation and losses incurred by the pandemic, coddling parenting styles…, the world-shrinking effects of social media…, political upheaval, and more. But there is a more profound theological reason that the Age of Feeling turns to an Age of Anxiety. We are creatures and not the Creator. We were never designed to bear the impossible weight of creating and sustaining our identities. That is a God-sized task, and whenever we elevate ourselves to supreme status, playing God, anxiety inevitably spikes.” Umm. Well said, “We were never designed to bear the impossible weight of creating and sustaining our identities.” What’s the workable, positive alternative to “following our heart?” “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” (Prov 3:5-6) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom 12:1-2) You were designed by a good God, who loves you and gives you good gifts. His design for you is good, pleasing, and perfect. Trust Him. You’ll love the consequences of those ideas! Tonight is our second Wednesday night of refreshing our prayer time with worship through music, time in God’s Word, and guided prayer time. We look forward to seeing you tonight at 7, or this afternoon at 3, for a special time of prayer! For Christ and the cross – Pastor Tim