21st Century

Whether you think this century started at 0:00 on 1 January 2000 or at 0:00 on 1 January 2001, I was in Brasil as a missionary for the start of this century. Really not a bad way to start a year/decade/century actually. Speaking of, do we know what this last decade, or even the current one, is called yet?

In Sunday School today the teacher started out by asking the class which Old Testament events we would’ve liked to have seen or been a part of. Outside of the whole creation thing, I couldn’t think of a single one. There was a lot of wonderful things happening back then, but there was also a lot of war and famine and such back then. Not to mention a lack of the modern conveniences we enjoy today, like plumbing for example (although Brett was quick to remind of Deuteronomy 23:13). But that’s the point of written scriptures. I get to read about all of their experiences without having to suffer the way they did. If we are smart we can learn from their experiences. And because of revelation, the prophets from then could see all of our experiences without having to suffer the way we do.

The 21st Century has a lot of things going for it. At least from where I’m sitting now with a job in a 1st world country. We have heaters and air conditioners and insulation (things I didn’t have in Brasil). We have food storage in case something happens in our lives and we need it. We have opportunities and experiences to grow and learn. We really do live in a wonderful place and time. But I’m sure there are still things about life now that people 2.5 millennia, or even 2.5 centuries ago would not think were really all that great.

Every age of mankind has its challenges and difficulties. But it also has it’s blessings and opportunities. I wouldn’t want to go back and live in a different time in history just like I wouldn’t want to go back and live any of my life over again. I’ll read about it. I’ll learn from it. And then I’ll move forward.