There's something about change that makes people edgy, uncomfortable, insecure, fearful, etc. I've always found change to be sort of good. It offers an opportunity for growth either through failure or success of the move. It further introduces another perspective, and among other things, it may add life, energy or enthusiasm about an otherwise boring, stagnant and dying entity. After all, everything changes. The Presidents of the United States change. Fortune 500 company CEO's change. Fashions change and let's not forget the styles of cars. We all know that the sizes of women typically seem to change. In essence there is a constant element of change that seems to coincide with time and society.
Imagine if we were still riding horses instead of cars. Imagine if we were still slaves instead of being free. Imagine if women weren't allowed to vote. Imagine if we still had to hunt and kill our own food. Imagine if we couldn't freely worship on Sundays. Imagine if Jesus hadn't died on the cross. Imagine your life without a Savior . . . Wow. Can't you see why the bible says, "let a man (or woman) examine his own self"? There is a constant need for us to "work out our own souls' salvation". If there was ever a time to look in the mirror and ask God to search our hearts, that time is now.
As women, we have to live up to many societal expectations. According to the so called experts, there is an image of beauty that only emphasizes our physical nature. Do you ever wonder what God thinks of our spiritual image? Do you ever wonder if God recognizes features about our spirit man that He wants us to change? Lets challenge ourselves to be mindful or "change" if necessary the deeds that we perform in this body; something so simple as a tone of voice, being critical, or nonsupportive of a loved one, even having the wrong or preconceived thoughts. I guess what I'm trying to say is let's "change" those ways that display a form of Godliness. Let's "change" the notion of pleasing man and not God. I mean really pleasing God.
Have you ever observed someone being kind to the Pastor or other "church people" yet they are short tempered with their own spouse and children? I've never undertood that kind of behavior. Often times we take the sad disposition in defending a professed Christians' behavior by making statements like, "that's just the way she/he is" even though the behavior contradicts what the bible defines as Godly or righteous. The scripture says the we are a new creation/creature, old things (behaviors) are passed away.
That leads me to ask your opinion about what conflicts people (or you) face when challenged to change. What role does fear, insecurity, and faith play? Why is it so hard for us to embrace change? What causes us to avoid change? The bible say that if we would humble ourself and pray, seek the Lords' face and turn (that means change) from our wicked ways. . . then He would heal the land (that means make us complete and bless us more abundantly). What's wrong with change? Why do we avoid the idea of renewal, deliverance, and revival within ourselves so that we may be better sisters, wifes, friends, etc.? What is it about change that causes us to be relunctant to embrace it and the growth potential it offers?
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I think most people are afraid of change without even realizing they are. I was in need of change years ago. I wanted to change my ways and yet it seemed like the hardest thing to do. I waisted many years blamimng others for my behavior and situation(s). For the mot part I new deep down that I was afraid of the way people would see me if I wasn't the person they were use to seeing.I had the attitude with the chip on my shoulder and the need to find any reason why I couldn't trust anyone. Finally I tried talking to GOD (privately) I began to realize that what I make of myelf is what I will be.c My tommorrow would be the start of what, how and who I wanted to be. So when tommorrow came my change had already happened. Today I am happy with myself and the people I have around me and I remember who I use to be and I am proud of who I've become. So to anyone who knows they trueley need a change have a private talk to GOD and you to will see the person you were yesterday can and will be who you were yesterday............
ReplyDeleteOh and I didn't feel a think my change just happened over night
Blessed provided us with a clear picture of how we can lengthen the time between who we are and who God needs us to become in order for His perfect will to be done in each of our lives. good post :-)
ReplyDeleteI believe what ultimately troubles us about change is the fact that we majority of the time are challenged to face areas in our lives that intimidate us. The mere thought of steeping into a realm where causes an uncomfortable feeling or creates a timid attitude usually makes us shy away from change. Embracing change forces us to leave our comfort zone and trust God (given that He is leading us to make this change). Change causes us to take a different appraoch to perhaps situations that have been unsuccessful in times past. Change is also a prerequisite to opposition from those that will be affected by this change; ultimalely causes a snowball effect of unpleasant people.
ReplyDeleteWhen God leads us to change in our lives whether it be personal, spiritual, physically, financially or socially, He is looking for us to trust His reasons why these changes must take place. If and when we are lead by the directing of the Holy Ghost, He comforts us in our decision to obey His will for our purpose in His will.
Much more to say but I'll let someone else interject their thoughts,lol!
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ReplyDeleteI agree with all that's been said.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts...
I think that it's hard to embrace change because of our 'fear of the unknown'. As people we are frightened by anything that is different from our normal routine. Even if it is just an added task to a current responsibility, the change frightens us. We avoid change because we are frightened to fail or be inadequate at the new/changed routine in our lives. That's why we can generally encourage someone else to make a change, but have trouble making changes ourselves. As saints, we must always be ready to embrace God-given/God-directed change (Easier said than done). We must know that the will of God is being carried out in our daily lives (I Thessalonians 5:18). If we have that level of faith, and confidence in the will of God then we will be confident that everything will work out for our good.
Just my thoughts for now, more may be coming...
Well I guess that all have commented on this subjects that wish to, so I'll share my remarks before moving on to our next discussion. I am an advocate for change, however, the right type of change. I support changing from any mindset that stifles growth. I believe in change in behavior that contradicts the righteousness of God: that could be anything from a controlling nature that infiltrates itself in relationships among church members, husbands' and wives', co-workers and even neighbors to behaviors like backbiting, hypocrisy, lying, . . . all those things that cause us to be distracted from pleasing God. Change most times causes us to feel fearful, insecure, and doubtful along with other emotions that are human. However, I believe that it is absolutely necessary in order to promote growth and maturity. While there are many reasons why people chose to avoid change, and thus you will find those individuals with conversations, attitudes, and behaviors that are stuck somewhere in time. Jesus himself, rather than continue to receive the sacrifices of bullocks and lambs, left His throne in glory, to come to be a ransom for us, thereby giving us an opportunity to be a "new creation", a different or changed person. I’ve always believed that change offers so many opportunities for evaluation and advances in a persons' mental, spiritual, emotional, and even physical state of being. I also believe that this results regardless of the positive or negative impacts of the specific change.
ReplyDeleteI must make mention the type of change that I do not support. I do not support change of any kind that promotes division among people. I am not in favor of change that diminishes the sanctity and holiness of the cross. I am against any change that compromises the true purpose of the church which is to promote Christ. What do I mean? Let me explain. I do not believe that all types of so called “Gospel” music should be played in church. I am not a supporter of liquidating the Gospel of Jesus Christ to reach the masses: for it is the bible that states that we should be either Hot or Cold in our faith. There are countless scriptures that denote the sanctity of God, but this is not a bible study, and I won’t turn this discussion into one. However, there is a reason that we were once referred to as a people of strong biblical conviction and “sanctified”. I am one of those who continues to believe in that concept as I know that God requires us to be set apart from the world of darkness, thereby, CHANGED. Despite that seemingly unpopular stance, I am not willing to change that perspective because it is my belief that it is supported by the word of God. What are you willing to change, and what are you willing to hold on to even if it caused you to stand out like a lemon? . . . Just a question to charge you thinking juices.
Be Blessed.
5.3.09
Hi Saints! Am just getting to this comment. I love change it has been very good to me for example: I was at this particular ministry for eight years, they helped me to developed my faith, taught me how to serve others, walk in holiness and walk in obedience. One thing they didn't aloud me to be is myself, as a person. Bascially everything was developed around what they wanted personally for me, which they did not give me the opporturnity to make raditonal dicisions and developed as a young lady that stunted me in certain areas in my life. When I reach my 34th birthday God began to start dealing with me in making my on dicisions instead of going to someone all the time, it was like I was still a babe to them and to myself and apart of me wanted to be me. I remember my pastor at the time had a speaking engagement and, remind you I was always faithful to this ministry or any ministry God leaded me to and she wanted me to be there and I told her I would not be able to go she asked me why? I believe I didn't give her any explanation, but she couldn't except that I said no! Everything was always a spirit, but it wasn't a spirit God had been dealing with me in making my on choices if I did not want to go or come that's my choice. Sometime people can not except change in a person or recognize the is growing and developing into a person that God wants them to be mean: not to be fearful of man or woman.
ReplyDeleteThat’s sounds really good!!
ReplyDelete