The challenge of change
As I embark upon another new season in my life – sailing once more into uncharted waters - I have been reflecting a great deal upon the subject of change.
In the twenty first century it has become received wisdom that change is the new norm; that as society morphs and connects around us in ways that are both exciting, but also unnerving, we need to change in order to survive and thrive.
However change is never easy. No matter our circumstances, as long as we can get by with the status quo, most of us generally prefer not step out of our comfort zone. In fact many would rather sit in the pain of darkness than venture out into the newness of light.
But the reality is that change - and the need to adapt - has always been, and will always be, a facet of life. At the most basic level, every day of our existence we are being transformed physically; our cells renewing continually until little of our original bodily form remains. And as social beings, we have to interact with an environment and context which is in continual flux - the ground shifting imperceptibly beneath us.
Back in the sixteenth century, the Italian Renaissance historian, politician, diplomat, philosopher, humanist, and writer Niccol Machiavelli wrote, “Whoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.” Or as Albert Einstein so pithily put it: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
We were created by a God who loves change and expects us to live a life of constant transformation. As Christians, change is part of our DNA. As Samuel tells Saul on his anointing. “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them, and you will be changed into a different person.’’ (1 Samuel 10: 6)
In Matthew 18:3, Christ tells his disciples.” I tell you the truth unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.”
The Bible chronicles the change of nations and individuals: from David, son of Jesse who passed swiftly from obscurity as a shepherd boy to fame as a national hero, from fugitive to king and conqueror, from victory to tragedy and back again; the apostle Paul, whose life’s purpose was turned upside down on the road to Damascus; Ruth who experienced God’s grace in the most challenging of circumstances, and Job who clung to God’s faithfulness as he was besieged on all sides.
Whenever we encounter God he forces us to let go of the illusion that we have control over our lives – a process that often leaves us feeling threatened and vulnerable. But to grasp the promise of fullness of life we must change or give up the old. We must give up the old attitudes, mind-set, suffering and sometimes pleasures.
When I was first diagnosed with inoperable advanced breast cancer a dear friend gave me a gift - a beautiful bejewelled butterfly broach - which for me has become a constant reminder that our creator is a God who loves change. As she placed it in my hand to she told me, “I want you to have this because this period will be hard but you will emerge like a butterfly out of a cocoon at the end. You won’t be the same, but something different and beautiful.”
The reality is that following Christ requires a willingness to be changed, to give up the old and familiar, and to be willing to step out in faith, to risk being vulnerable because only then can God extend our lives in new and extraordinary ways.