Change

If you’re ever going to a new place, you’ve probably turned to Google or Chat GPT and said some version of, “Tell me about _______.” San Francisco or Cuba or the best bone fishing spots (just me?) or whatever. You’re not looking for a deep dive. A deep dive can always follow if there is interest. Quite the opposite. Give me the big ideas, the things not to miss, a quick snapshot. It’s a primer. I’m taking that primer idea to a series of practical theological topics over the summer. No dissertation here. Just a Biblical door opening on a few different themes that touch our life and work. Enjoy.

For the follower of Christ, two things are simultaneously true:

• A life with Christ is a life of change.
• The God we serve is a changeless God.

That’s the really short version.

Or think about it another way. Notice a theme in these headlines pulled from the last few months?

• Eight months in, Nike CEO has a leadership team for a turnaround.
• Peloton taps Ford executive as new CEO for turnaround.
• Intel names new CEO to lead turnaround.
• Nissan assembles new executive team to lead turnaround.

You got it—turnaround. We’re always looking for the next big star to lead change because we all recognize the need for change. In our own lives, we often long for some kind of turnaround. And yet we don’t always want it. As Mark Twain said, “I'm in favor of progress. It’s change I don’t want.”

One fact remains: change is only a theory until it shows up at our front door.

Until we actually lose our jobs, add a child, move houses, receive an unwanted overseas assignment, navigate a divorce, or learn that the company we work for has been sold, the concept of change remains just an academic idea.

But when it shows up at our front door, with our name on it – we have to wrestle with it.

And it’s only accelerating. The rate of change is exponentially increasing.  And I’m pretty sure that artificial intelligence won’t slow that down.

Years ago I wrote about the Christmas story specifically (no greater story of change I know of!) in terms of different responses to change and basic truths about change. But I want to add more holistic thoughts today on how the follower of Jesus should approach change. So, here’s four: 

1. Don’t forget where you’ve been. When there’s dramatic change for people in Scripture, they’re always called back to where they were/who they’ve been. The Passover celebration was to remind the Israelites of God’s rescue in Egypt. When Israel was in captivity, they were told to remember where they were from. When Paul writes to early Christians, he regularly uses language of “You were __________. You are __________.” (e.g. Colossians 1:21-22). There’s always a look back. That ties us to the consequential not just the shiny, noisy and latest social POV.
2. Don’t long for where you’ve been. Ecclesiastes 7:10 says, “Do not say, ‘Why is it that former days were better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.” Warm memories are fine. Learning from the past is great. Nostalgia that makes you discontent is not. But be careful and discerning. Why? Because a clear sound grasp on the past can be the needed catalyst of change. Change never happens without some combination of weight and urgency. These are the two universal drivers of change. 

3. Walking daily with Jesus is a change journey. Change is inherent in terms and phrases like “transformation,” “becoming new,” and “throwing off the old.” If we are not experiencing change, we are not experiencing growth, and if we are not experiencing growth, we are not experiencing Christ.” There’s also the change we’re supposed to initiate—bringing about good in the world. Bringing about needed change. Embrace change.
4. The God we serve is a changeless God. That’s almost a direct quote from Malachi 3:6, and it gives followers of Christ the needed foundation upon which we weather change. Ed Young once wrote, “His plan for the destiny of mankind is being put forth in the everyday affairs of men, or otherwise this whole thing would be hopeless.” Having the plumbline of constancy with God is so energizing. My God is never surprised by me or my circumstances. My God is never wringing His hands with uncertainty and confusion. And my God always wants to best for me…always. But he is the one defining best…not me.

I’ve tried to practice what I call a “relaxed view of God’s sovereignty” my entire adult life. That may sound like an oxymoron, but it means this—our lives and our choices matter, but we can have a bigger view of God a smaller view of ourselves. We are free to join what God has initiated and relax. In the midst of change, followers of Christ can relax in the knowledge that they serve a God of purpose, order and love who is willing and able to care for them.

Sounds good to me.