Check this story.
There are significant stories that cover different media—television, cinema, comics, etc. These stories establish lore, and those who interact with them are applauded or derided depending on their contribution to the lore. As the story gets older, some see the need to refresh it or reboot it to appeal to modern trends. That task, however, is also monitored carefully to ensure it still adheres to the lore or at least does not depart too much from it.
As someone who loves stories, I’ve consumed and observed some of these large stories. I can see the fuss about adhering to the lore. There are some stories in which writers mess things up because of their desire to be up with the latest trends. Their desire to change things and remain trendy has made the story so different that the writers should have made up their own new story with those trends.
Interacting with these stories gives me an insight into some people. Shared interests and shared stories are great connecting points for conversations. As you’re also aware, those conversations can also be superb opportunities to share the gospel. Before embarking on the gospel, though, sometimes I like to link the shared story in a conversation with the respondent’s life story. Not the whole thing, but aspects that may resonate with some of the themes in our shared stories. As I pay attention to those stories and their updates, I’m eager and keen to see how the gospel can help shape and change their stories.
The life story without Christ is not going to end well. That lore isn’t something we want to persist with. As someone who continues to be blessed by how the gospel changes my story, I’m keen to see how it can change the story of those I interact with from time to time.
Individually and collectively, it’s worth reviewing where we are in our own story. Is it still adhering to the lore as determined by the Living Word? Is it still the kind of story that refers people to the truth of the Living Hope? Is it the kind of story that challenges and changes us into the image of the only begotten Son of God? Is it a story that displays the wonders of wisdom, the riches of righteousness and the pearls of peace? Is it the kind of story that talks about the rule of a King who serves and enables those who partake to join the service? Is that the compelling story we’re still writing out?
If that’s not the case, we could very well be accused of pursuing being trendy to fit in with modern tastes rather than letting the beauty and power of the gospel make eternal changes in those who witness it. That’s not to deride culture in the here and now. We’re not called to be oblivious to what’s going on as though it has no relevance. It’s just important to retain the core parts of the lore and refer everything to that as we share the story of Jesus in the hope that others will be part of the storytelling.
The most significant story does not necessarily attract the masses to view it in cinemas, online, or on other media. Yet, the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ is still the most significant story, and I trust those who are captured by it will continue to commit to the lore for all eternity.
For His Name's Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
