Sermon On Innovations

Steven Paul Jobs, an American businessman and inventor once remarked: “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly and get on with improving your other innovations.” Ecclesiastes 7:29 reminds us: “See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.”

Innovations are defined as a new method, idea, product, etc. They can include changes or alterations to existing materials and merchandise, or adopting a transformative lifestyle. Additionally, it may involve the invention of something never before considered or anticipated. As an example, a human metamorphosis of life, when spuriously compared to amphibians, might also include the known stages of progression that eventually attain the desired effect or conclusion. These may be regarded as birth, followed by childhood, progression into adolescence and eventually reaching adulthood. Any form of improvement that makes life simpler or better for others, can become inhibited without innovation, as that can significantly benefit the ease of daily life. The normal routines, that previously were considered arduous or time-consuming, suddenly become completed with far less effort and often, to a much higher standard.

Innovation is essentially about creativity. However, this beautiful artistry is solely, but purposefully given, as a gift from God. The very first verse in the Bible reminds us: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis:1:1) Form, of any kind, was non-existent. A huge void existed and only darkness prevailed. God, as we know, was the original innovator of everything, and as we are formed in His image, He allows us to be creative also. Genesis 1:27 confirms: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Seeking new ideas or creations are often both time-consuming and requires dedication. One must believe in their intended purpose or function. They may often require more than one attempt to achieve an acceptable so-called perfection. Mistakes in design or function can create doubt in others. If they are of an original concept, people may need additional proof that they are worthy of further investment or time. Romans 12:1-2 advises: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Vicissitudes are not always welcome. Whether or not they are intended for a brief or long time span is irrespective, they may encounter opposition or even uproar from persons who are indisposed to change. Jesus was God in human form, and as such was a new creation to Earthlings. However, not something that would last for simply a few years, then fade away to be replaced by something better, but with an eternal purpose.

When Jesus sought His disciples, He was seeking not only close followers who would be loyal and obedient to His demands and lifestyle, but also the renouncement of their current secure positions. This would incur big changes and dedication to follow someone they knew little about. They would be taken on, and experience a new journey in life never before experienced. That demanded complete trust and faith in a new concept.

The commissioning of the twelve apostles, an important fundamental episode in the ministry of Jesus, is recorded in all three of the Synoptic Gospels. However, Mark 3:7-19 narrates: “Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.

And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”