A Flash in the Pan

I’ve been reading up on weapons (don’t panic, it’s for my latest manuscript), specifically, about pistols and duels in the 1800’s. I discovered it’s where the term a flash in the pan originated. It began with the construction of the flintlock musket. Where a piece of flint strikes a frizzen to create a spark that ignites a small amount of gunpowder resting in the part of the weapon known as the pan. If it fails to ignite the rest of the powder in the barrel of the gun, then it results in a flash of light and a bang, but no discharge of the weapon. Hence, the expression a flash in the pan. (Source: Late Regency Period Technology: Flintlock, Percussion Lock, and Your Plot | Romance University)Today the term is used to describe someone has a showy beginning but quickly fizzles out. One hit wonders, like Mark Dinning (Teen Angel, 1960), Michael Wilder (Break My Stride, 1983), and Vanilla Ice (Ice Ice Baby, 1990), all had catchy songs that soared to the top of the charts. They rose to fame, but without another accomplishment, their success was a merely a flash in the pan.I asked all five of my husband’s siblings and spouses (for our Dudley family trivia game night) what fashion trend they regretted. The #1 answer was pegged jeans followed closely by the mullet haircut, teased bangs, and MC Hammer pants. While I was in college, one year the fad diet was to eat only carbs. Fat-free labels on foods were plastered across cartons and boxes. I remember this because my roommates and I ate an entire gallon of fat-free mint choc-chip ice cream in one sitting. The following year the Atkins diet became popular. Carbs were quickly cut, and fats were no longer the enemy.How does a person know what is right? How do we know what is going to stick around?Well, the Bible has been around for well over 2500 years. According to The Guinness Book of World Records, it’s been the number one best seller selling approximately 5 million copies and translated into 349 different languages. I’d say that moves it out of the trend phase and into the well-established category.Just like in Hollywood and high school, there are also trends and fads within the religious community. A lot of Pastors have traded in the suit and tie for skinny jeans and horn rimmed glasses. I’d dress in plaids and polka dots if it would bring people to Christ, but it’s easy to get caught up in the trends and methods and lose touch with the intent and true meaning. Some people believe you need to worship a certain way, dress a certain way, or act a certain way. However, we need to remember the message is more important than the methods. Relationship is more essential than religious doctrine.There are a lot of strong opinions out there, and I don’t have the answers, but I do know Jesus didn’t take on human form to condemn the world. He came to save it. Jesus’ first response was love. He spent a lot more time being an example of how to love than he did on instructing us on how to look or worship. Before he healed the sick, he didn’t stop and ask them their religious affiliation. Before he allowed the lame to walk, he didn’t inquire about their political affiliation. Before he raised the dead, he didn’t question their sexuality.I’m not saying to compromise on beliefs. The Word is the Word, and the Message is the Message. I’m simply saying to do what Jesus did and to love first. When love takes root in a person’s heart, it opens up doors in which God can move and change a heart.God’s love is not a flash in the pan. He is the Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end. He loved each of us before we were formed in our mother’s womb, and He will love us for all time. All he asks is that we love in return.Don't miss a post! Sign up for my newsletter here: Lorri's newsletter