The Test of Time

Joachim Raff was considered a major musical personality. In 1875, a leading authority declared that he was one of the three “musical chiefs” alive. (The other two were Richard Wagner and Johannes Brahms.) “By common consent,” it was said that his music stood “head and shoulders” above other composers, and he was the “leading composer of symphonies.”

Yet today Raff’s music is rarely played, and his name is known mostly to specialists. What happened? In many ways, it could be said that his music simply didn’t pass the test of time. What sounded meaningful in the late 19^th century somehow had little relevance to people in subsequent decades.

This change in perceptions reminds us of the brevity of life and how difficult it is to have a long-term perspective on the issues of our time. Things that seem critical today eventually may seem unimportant. What is popular today often is quickly forgotten. Today’s fashions can seem out of date within months. Ideas that seem normal eventually can be considered passé, while ideas that now seem ridiculous can be seen as “normal.” And many people who are popular soon can become unpopular.

The Bible reminds us that these are perpetual patterns, true in every generation. This is why we urgently are reminded about the importance of placing our trust in God, not in people. We must place our full reliance on Him, not on governments or politicians…banks or experts…kings or generals.

The Bible tells us, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD” (Jeremiah 17:7). We are warned not to put our trust in princes but rather to place our hope in God “who keeps faith forever” (Psalm 146:3-6).

Who are you trusting in your life?