We
live in an ever-changing world. Things are changing so rapidly that it is
difficult to keep up. The pace of change is illustrated by the dizzying
development of technology. The first iPhone was introduced in 2007. In just 11
years we are up to the iPhone 8. Smart phones today can do as much, if not more
than the laptop I am writing on and may have a greater storage capacity. Almost
daily we are being bombarded with the next advancement that is right around the
corner.
Technology
is only one small aspect of the enormous changes that we face. Societal norms
are changing at unprecedented rates. Changes that used to take generations are
now taking years and even months. Things are changing so fast that about the
time we figure out what is going on it is passé.
The
different generations handle change is different ways. The older generations
that are used to change being slow and gradual tend to resist rapid change. The
younger generations that have known nothing but rapid change tend to take
things in their stride and embrace each new thing as it comes. But every
generation has its limits. Too much change too rapidly often produces overload,
which can lead to emotional shut down.
All
of this rapid change has had a negative effect on our spiritual lives. For
centuries, people have understood that genuine spiritual transformation is
gradual and takes time. But in a world awash with rapid change, we expect our
spiritual development to pick up the pace. We get frustrated with ourselves and
with others when we do not see the kind of change we desire forming right away.
Because of the nature of spiritual change, many people jump ship, so to speak.
There are three major negative responses to slow spiritual change. The first is
to shift to a different format. People look for whatever will give them the
immediate spiritual experience that they are looking for. When that format
fails to keep up, they jump to another, like changing your smart phone every
year. The second response is to give up on spiritual change. Many people who
have been disappointed with the lack of spiritual progress have decided that it
isn’t worth it and have walked away from faith. The third response is to stop
trying to change and just accept wherever that person happens to be
spiritually. They still have faith, but it is dormant, inactive.
Change
is hard for all of us, but it is a part of God’s design for humanity. When it
comes to spiritual transformation, we need to take our cues from God’s Word and
not the culture around us. For the most
part, we are in far too great of a hurry, but God is not. God is patient and
His timing is always perfect. The first step to dealing with change is to
acknowledge that God is in charge and we can trust Him. The Psalmist calls us
to stop running ahead of God. "Be still, and know that I am God; I
will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 46:10
The
second truth the Bible teaches us about dealing with change is to get our focus
in the right place. One of the major problems with living in a changing world
with so many options is that we get confused and disoriented. We are not quite
sure which way to turn. In our fear of being left behind, we run is six
different directions at the same time. Jesus addressed this kind of an
unfocused life in Matthew 6:31-34. So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we
eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run
after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But
seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will
worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The
next thing the Bible teaches us about dealing with change is to be careful
about who sets the agenda. If we try to stay on top of the world’s agenda it
will lead us into anxiety, confusing, and pain. Instead, we need to block out
all of the competing voices that are seeking our attentions and tune our
spiritual ears to God’s voice. As Paul teaches us in Romans 12:1-2, we need to
orient our lives toward God. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of
God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to
God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and
perfect will.
One
other thing that Bible teaches us about dealing with change is to persevere.
Most lasting and significant change takes time. There will be seasons where we
do not feel like we are making much progress. These will be interspersed with
short times of rapid growth. Both are a part of the process God has set in
motion for us. Paul state this clearly in Galatians 6:9. Let us not become weary in doing
good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
As
we face change in our lives, there are some basic principles to keep in mind.
Change is inevitable. Nothing stays the same forever. Change is hard. It forces
us to evaluate our lives and to move in ways that often make us uncomfortable.
Change is necessary. For us to grow and mature we must change. Things that stop
changing die. This is true personally and corporately. Change is a part of
God’s plan for our lives. As someone once said, God loves us just the way we
are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way.
Philippians 1:6
…
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on
to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
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