Thoughts on Change- (My main message for my church email)

Why does God bring about change in our lives?  I am convinced that God brings change because He wants us to grow. Do you remember those adolescent years when physically, emotionally, mentally and socially, everything seemed to be in a state of change. I was the world's most awkward 13 year old. There were some things about it that I loved- greater independence, a deeper voice and a greater appreciation for girls. But there were things in the change process that I absolutely HATED! The emotional roller coaster, the zits, and the fact that I'd need to shave, deodorize and learn algebra. But it was all a part of the process.  It was set into motion by a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain.  This small little timer sets all of puberty on motion.  There were days, I'd want to tell that little gland to stop all the maddening metamorphosis but this glandular dynamo made sure that change was not optional.  It was going to happen.

I'm experiencing change today. It's not change that I want but it's still change. My bones pop more they used to and I'm getting lots of gray hairs. This change is also mandatory, isn't it?  For the most part, yes.

Spiritual change is different. Spiritual change is optional. The Holy Spirit, God's Word, and the church will often ask for change. Some changes are small and other changes are huge. Let me give you an example of a change in my life. Several years ago I went through a time of depression where I was faced with the fact that my life was unmanageable. I realized I could take steps to change and grow or I could continue to dwell in a state of despair. The easiest decision seemed to be to just work a little harder, find some sort of pain killer and muddle through it. The hard decision is the one the Holy Spirit recommended:Change. That change included counseling and change the way I handled my problems. I had to decide if I wanted to risk the time, money and emotional upheaval of doing things that would ultimately save my life. 

This is what our church is all about. Many churches I've joined have been more about maintaining a good budget, counting heads and keeping things peaceful. As I've grown in up in the faith I began to understand this is not the way Christ grows believers into His likeness. He grows us through change. Change is painful. Change is risky. Change is optional.  I want to invite you to pray this prayer: 

Lord, I want so desperately to grow. I don't want to live a life of barely getting by. I don't want to be bitter and useless. Continue the process of change in my heart. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me. 

Comments

[Kevin Ries]

When things don't change, it's easy. The problem is it's also boring. In order to be a part of what God is doing you have to be a part of change. I feel blessed to be able to participate in the way he changes others, and me. It's tough sometimes, but it's always worth it to see what he does.