A Newsletter of Biblically Balanced Ministries, Inc.
Change: How Are You
Handling It? (October 1998)
Dr. Basil Jackson, one of the other speakers at the Christian Counseling Ministries Retreat for Renewal in Buena Vista Colorado last month, confirmed one my observations. The conclusion from a study he was involved with was that more than 80% of people in counseling are there because they either failed to effectively handle or have difficulty with “Change.” My personal observation (although not scientifically analyzed) is that more than 80% of church problems revolve around the difficulties of “change.” The fact that the rate of change continues to multiply can be frightening. Learning to live with and constructively relate to change is one of the challenges facing the church and individuals today.
What are some of the things that change? God has given us a vivid reminder this time of the year that change is part of His creation. The change of season with the Fall colors show the changing character of creation. Further the seasons also remind us of the principle of “death, burial and resurrection.” Jesus said,
"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much
grain” (John 12:24).
A second thing that changes is the accepted standards of what is normal. The Christian has difficulty with the changing of what is accepted as normal. He has to determine what is the standard of scripture and what is a man-made standard. Where scripture explicitly states a standard, we should not vary from it. Sometimes what we think are standards of scripture may be simply “norms” established by other Christians. We need to carefully study passages like Romans 14 to understand how we are to react to changes in what we consider a Biblical standard.
Worship styles are changing. Some have resisted the changes and even denied the freedom of others to express faith in different styles of worship. A study of New Testament history will reveal significant changes in the style and format of the early church. Observing trends in ministry it is apparent that God uses many different styles of worship to edify and evangelize. A church that does not relate to cultural changes limits its ability to impact the world with the Gospel.
What are some of the things that do not change? This question is perhaps more easily defined. The answer centers in the person and character of God. Malachi the prophet said,
"For I [am] the Lord, I do not change.” God’s love, power and presence do not change. The truth that our God does not change is a source of hope in a changing world.
What are some things that can enable us to effectively face change? First,
Accept the fact that change is a part of life. Change comes in varying forms and degrees but the reality is we all face changes throughout our lives. God has given us reminders, such as the change of seasons, that life is going to include changes. Sometimes we try to avoid change or hold onto things of the past rather then accept what God is doing. The Lord told Isaiah,
“Behold, I will do a new thing.” God is the God of “new things.” Let us learn to discover and accept what God is doing.
Secondly, We need to Acknowledge that we are afraid of change. Joshua had to come to the point of accepting and acknowledging the fact that “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise . . .” (Joshua 1:2). A change had taken place. Joshua was faced with a new challenge. The result was a degree of fear. God’s message was
“Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor
dismayed” (Joshua 1:8). Change almost always creates a degree of fear. Most, if not all, of God’s leaders in the Bible had a degree of fear when faced with the challenges God put before them. Acknowledging our fear of change should lead us to call out in faith to our source of hope, the Lord.
Assurance is the third thing that enables us to effectively face change. Joshua’s assurance was
“the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” God gave to Moses a sign but to Joshua God simply gave His promise. When we are faced with the challenges of change, God wants us to have assurance in one simple truth
“the Lord your God is with you.”
Change is ultimately an opportunity for faith building. Acceptance of the fact of change and acknowledging our fear can lead us to assurance through faith in the one who “changes not.”
by Gary R. Becker, President
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