Changing Our Ideas About Change

As a student of society, change is something I find inevitable. If the business books and the ministry books are right, the pace of change is not going to slow down anytime soon. Given this, it is quite disconcerting to hear on every hand that "people hate change." Actually, I don't think its true. Here's why:

When people say "I hate change" what they're really saying is "I hate the thought that change might make me uncomfortable." They begin with the point of view that change will be bad, even though there is a case to be made that change is often good. God must have thought change was a good idea when He decided to make the sun come up and go down every day. Every one of the 24 hours in His days is a study in change. The earth is constantly rotating bringing the change of light and darkness, while it is constantly revolving around the sun bringing the change of seasons. Trees change colors, grass grows, and we grow older everyday. Nothing remains static: not our eyesight, our nails, or hair, or our weight, sadly! As human beings, we are a "change machine." Everyday we are different, and were it not so, we would be bored. Remember? "Variety is the spice of life." We need change, and we actually love it ... so long as we can still be comfortable!

We also love change that is outside of ourselves. Who doesn't enjoy a new purchase, a new car, a new couch? Who doesn't enjoy a new restaurant find, a new book, a new blouse or suit coat? And what about the growth and maturity of a child? Don't we work hard to bring about change in our kids, as they progress from self-centered brats into helpful, loving adults? Don't we pray for change when they're in junior high? And wasn't the greatest change in all of life something we actually made happen, when we decided to have kids in the first place? Talk about change!

So why do we always hear that "people hate change?" The truth is that people hate being uncomfortable, and it is this preoccupation with self that prevents most of us from even considering that change can be good. Let's take a look at a biblical example.

John the Baptist had it good. He was a popular desert preacher, causing quite a stir, and developing quite a following. Even Jesus came to hear him preach, and be baptized by him, showing that he was in agreement with John's message. But not much later change came to John's ministry. Several of his disciples left following him to follow Jesus. Those still loyal to John asked him how he felt about the fact that his following was changing, his fame was decreasing, his voice growing less and less influential. He simply said "Its okay. This change is for the better. It is God's plan that Jesus increase, and that I decrease (see: John 3:30). To the outside observer, John's life had run into monumental change. His ministry was shrinking, and his followers were leaving. But rather than hate the change, John realized that his personal well-being was not the issue ... the mission of Christ was! Imagine if John were of the "I hate change" group: "What? Jesus is coming to town? Oh no, that's going to change everything! We have to mobilize to keep this change from affecting us! I'm against His coming, against His trying to invade our territory! I must fight this change!" Of course, this is ludicrous simply because John had long before realized that the mission of Christ is a larger priority than even his own comfort, his own success. That must be so freeing!

As a pastor of a large church, I find that I'm often standing on the top of our ministry mountain, looking out over the future with its opportunities and challenges. This excites me, even as I recognize that the future will demand that we change the shape of things we're now doing, and even add to their number, or let some of them die a death with dignity. We won't change the core: the teaching of the Bible as absolutely true and authoritative, and the theological and biblical principles Christ has called us to champion in our world. But, outside of those things, everything else is subject to change if such change will enhance our ability to be the church Jesus Christ uses in our changing world. The truth is unchanging; the rest may not be, and if change brings us closer to accomplishing the mission of Christ through Grace to the world, then bring it on! "And Lord, may your presence and promises be enough comfort for us, enabling us to risk enlarging our comfort zones, to be changed for the better, for your mission and your glory."

I guess what I'm saying is this: I'm starting a movement of people who love change, as long at that change enhances the mission of Christ. Wanna join? Just be aware that John the Baptist is our model: change that makes Christ more glorious, and enhances the Church's ability to teach and model the Gospel, is always best, even if it means that I am discomforted. His mission trumps my well-being ... though honestly, I'll never be more satisfied than when he is most glorified (thanks John Piper).

Hope this helps,

David