Change

Change is the only constant in life. Whether it’s changing jobs, relationships, houses, or clothes, this is a constant in our lives. How do we reconcile this idea that change is constant in life with the text of Hebrews 13:8 which says “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever”? This suggests the fact that God is constant yet we see in Scriptures that His dealings with man changes over time. God is constant in His purpose, His values, His character, and His attributes; however, we find that God does change with regards to His operations i.e. His methods and His strategies.

What is true for God is somewhat true for us in our lives. Once we establish the core purpose for our lives (and we must), we should also have a defined/consistent set of values that play out in our character because this is what under-girds the accomplishments we achieve through our abilities and talents. Our attributes (what makes us ‘us’) must also remain constant; however, how we operate must change whenever they are not achieving our core purpose and values. This is also true of corporate organizations and ministry groups; each must have a defined purpose and set values which in turn drives the setup of their operations. It is sensible to understand that operations should never drive purpose and/or values.

How do we as Christians view change from an eternal life perspective? If we arrive at a place in life where there is no more change occurring, we should never feel good about that because it simply means that we are not growing. With growth and maturation comes the necessity to change. We never mature in life unless we are willing to change. It is true that a stubborn person will always be an ignorant person because they are unwilling to learn and/or be taught. This mental change is designed to adapt them to the changing environment around them. You won’t grow up unless you are willing to change; change the way you think, change the way you see things, change the way you interact with people.

Paul taught in 1Cor.10:13 that his maturity began by changing his mind/perspective and despising the childish things. We never change until we are convinced/convicted that what we are doing/thinking is wrong and in need of change. In Exodus 9, we see that Pharaoh refused to change until he was convicted (through the various plagues) that his holding of the Israelites in bondage was wrong.

Truth brings about that conviction necessary for change but you will not change until you are willing to confront the truth about your life. Repentance begins by being confronted by the Spirit of truth (Holy Spirit). Truth is designed to be confrontational. When change is necessary, not to change is destructive (Prov.29:1). Ask IBM and the missed opportunity of personal computers