There are few things in life that cause us more difficulty than change. From the youngest age we’re moving our agenda toward stability, comfort, and self-sufficiency. Not only do we get comfortable thinking this way, it becomes “wired” into the way we understand life. When change inserts itself (as it always does) we often go into crisis mode.

A few years ago I was downsized. The ripples of this were big (lifestyle, emotions, priorities, spiritual thinking, house sale, etc.) – it was tough.

I often talk in churches that are in a pastoral transition. Not only is the pastor gone, the new one will bring an entirely new personality, giftedness, idea, etc. These changes are often difficult for a congregation.

Christians should have a new vision of change!

Christians are called to radical, personal change (sanctification). Change should define who we are. The changes that have (and are) taken place on the inside should ignite an explosion of change on the outside. Sin is no longer in control. We have been given a vision of life itself – it’s not about us. Our hearts have been turned from stone to flesh. The changes that should be never-ending are the result of a miracle. We are becoming like Jesus. (Also see Romans 12.2; 2 Corinthians 3.18; Ephesians 4.21-24; 1 Thessalonians 4.3; James 1.27, 4.4)

Christians are called to be agents of radical change in others. Through the life-giving change God has generated in us, change should come to those we connect with. As we die to sin and self, and live for Jesus, the Spirit will work in the lives of those around us. The apostle John understands it this way, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” – 2 Corinthians 5.20 (Also see Acts 14.27, 15.12, 21.19; Romans 15.17-18; 1 Corinthians 15.10; 2 Corinthians 3.5; Galatians 2.8)

Christians are called to embrace the change around them. We cannot align ourselves with Jesus’ example if we refuse to meet people where they are. For many this is the tough part – this is were the “rubber hits the road”. Scripture is filled with characters that moved out of their comfort zones to live and move in the pagan culture. Here are two easy examples:

Jesus would be our primary model. Instead of clinging to his rights as God, he humbled himself and lived among those who were broken, lost, and hateful – the people that would kill him. He moved among us and died for us that we might be saved. (See 2 Corinthians 8.9; Philippians 2.6-11; Hebrews 2.9)

Paul made a magnificent adjustment. Being a pharisee and the son of a pharisee he was a “Hebrew of Hebrews”. He was compelled to give up all that had created his identity for the sake of Christ.

“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…” – Philippians 3.7-8

After Paul’s conversion he merged into the sea of humanity to be a minister of Jesus. He become like a Jew to win the Jews and like one outside Judaism to win them. (1 Corinthians 9.19-21)

Closing thoughts

Even though we now live in a post-modern, post-Christian culture, people are longing for meaningful relationships. Rather than embracing the opportunities God has created for us, many Christians are content to use the horrors of our culture as an excuse to do nothing.

The sovereign God we worship brings change to us that we might depend more on Jesus and less on ourselves.

Since the reality is that generations and cultures change, if you refuse to think and minister contextually you will be phased into obsolescence.