“Our generation has an incredible amount of realism, yet at the same time it loves to complain and not really change. Because, if it does change, then it won't have anything to complain about.” – Tori Amos (Musical artist; most likely NOT a follower of Christ, but very insightful, regardless)
So, we say we're open to change, but maybe we're fooling ourselves. Maybe all we're really open to is complaining. Unfortunately, the two are mutually exclusive. You can either be a changer, or a complainer, but rarely, if ever, will you be both. We've been talking about Innovate, and Alter Your World, and "doing church in new ways that have never been done before", and breaking out of the box, but this quote really challenged me to a new dimension of change.
Does my idea of change go beyond talking about what needs to change, and actually move into the realm of working toward the change? Are we open to face the hard work that is ALWAYS associated with change? Change is uncomfortable. It stretches me. It pushes me. It challenges the way I've always thought of things.
Moses was an agent of change. His was one of the hardest tasks in all of the Bible: lead over 1 million people to passionately worship God and move into the land and life He had promised generations before. Ha. Easier said than done. You can bet the Israelites did not like change. They said repeatedly that they would rather go back to slavery than make the changes God asked of them. They were not changers, they were expert complainers. All but two men out of that entire generation Moses was leading out of Egypt lacked the gusto for change.
New Wineskins. Innovate. Alter Your World. Spread the Good News of His Grace. Love People into His Kingdom.
These are no easy tasks. These are monumental, audacious goals. This kind of change will take stretching, sacrifice, and stronghold suicide. Am I ready for this? Are you?
As Life Group Leaders, you have taken on the challenge to lead people closer to Jesus in the context of Doing Life Together. That kind of leadership takes a pioneer. You'll do things differently than you may have in the past. You'll reach into people's lives who are at the opposite personality spectrum as yourself. You'll find ways of bringing up matters of faith that never occurred to you before. Are you ready for that kind of change? If not, how do you think God might need to prepare you or stretch you?
Leave a comment here - we'd all benefit from what God is showing you.
5 comments:
I think if we all commit to doing "changes" for the Kingdom, then it would be so much easier to do it together...how much harder it is to do thing when you feel alone and unsure b/c it's brand new to you? We need to unite and step up to the plate. I admit it, I'm one that gets stuck in the comfy flow of things. I want so much to someday help orphans and just show these children who have lost so much that I love them and God loves them too. That's my dream for making a change. What's yours?
I feel like I am even one of those people who refuse to change, but I don't think it is on purpose. I think "same" is more comfortable for people in general. Anthony Robbins said it best: “If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.”
The biggest opportunities are hidden behind fear of the unknown.
I think in most cases, change is a good thing. I know that since I have become a Life Group leader and also a Life Group participant I am finding that I have had to do some changing. I have had to get out there and try new things and do things that may be out of my comfort zone. But...if I have found if I am worried about something either in my own Life Group or the one I am participating in, I just remember what Paul said in Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
As a woman who's been through lots of changes over the last year--physical, emotional, geographical, spiritual (you name it!)--I see change as exhausting. :)
Some thoughts I have: Not everything needs to change because changing everything isn't always necessary. Change sometimes must be swift, but some of the best changes are gradual. (Again, look at conception. Could you imagine the consequences of immediately full-grown babies without the months of various preparations that must take place?)
I look up to people who've been willing to change for the right reasons. Why? Because it is hard and it's a place I want to go and am not yet there.
Change may as well be a four-letter word for the way we feel about it! :) Maybe the first and best change is to change the way we think about change.
Great ideas!! I especially appreciate the one about changing together. As we do life together, doing church in a new way, I'm thankful for all of you awesome leaders to stand beside me and give me courage to plow the ground of new salvations and new growth at Crossroads together.
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