One of our Air Force Academy cadets was visiting for his 30th class reunion (where does the time go?), and he was distressed about the changes he saw at the Academy. Mainly, it appeared softer to him, with less discipline, and many traditions he saw as useful for training were gone.

As a retired officer myself, not an Academy grad, I tend to agree that the loss of some traditions and lack of discipline can be problems. However, these verses from Isaiah may give us another perspective:

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed….My righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.” (Isaiah 51.6, 8)

Things don’t last. Not only will the earth not last, but many of our cherished traditions don’t last. But God’s salvation and his righteousness will be forever. We have a guarantee of nothing else. 

If the heavens and the earth won’t last, what else won’t last?

• My life in its present form: I am getting older…
• The U.S. with economic freedom, reward for hard and smart work, working infrastructure…
• Any local church: the pastor will change, the people will change.
• Traditions in any institution like the military in general or the Air Force Academy in particular.
• Organizations like The Navigators. We can only pray that it lasts as long as it needs to, as long as it’s making a contribution.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Mark 13.31, ESV)