Hello, BRN Family! It’s good to be with you today!
Fear is a normal human reaction. It serves as a crucial survival mechanism, alerting us to potential danger and helping us react appropriately.
Change is a natural and unavoidable process. It involves both internal shifts in our thoughts, feelings, and actions, as well as external changes in our surroundings that we adjust to. It’s often said, “Nobody likes change, except a baby,” or “Nobody likes change, until they do,” meaning people may initially resist change but come to accept or even appreciate it over time.
Why are people afraid of change?
Change often triggers fear because it brings uncertainty and can disrupt our comfort zones and sense of security, causing anxiety and a tendency to stick with what we know. The unknown can be a significant source of fear for many people.
Why are some Christians and churches afraid of change?
1. Some fear change due to a desire for stability, a belief in an unchanging God, or a fear of the unknown, potentially leading to resistance to new ideas or practices.
2. Some hold the view that God is unchanging and that the Bible is inerrant, leading them to see new ideas or interpretations as a threat to their faith.
3. Some may become defensive of their beliefs and practices, viewing change as an attack on their faith or worldview.
Should a Christian or church be afraid of change?
No. From a Christian perspective, change is essential because it reflects our transformation towards holiness and living in accordance with God’s will. We are called to become more like Christ. In Christ, change is an ongoing process, as we develop to become more like Him. Becoming more like Christ is a process of intentional change and growth, focusing on developing Christ-like character and following His example in our daily lives. A powerful scripture encouraging daily transformation into Christ’s likeness is 2 Corinthians 3:18, which states, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
Henry Blackaby says, “God is always at work… and you cannot stay the way you are and go with God.” The Holy Spirit is always encouraging change in our lives so that we “conform to the image of Christ” (Romans 8:29). The Apostle Paul challenged us to “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:10).
Change is a normal routine for a Christ-follower as we walk this earth. Following Christ is a journey of transformation, and change is a natural part of that process. As we grow in faith, we are called to shed old ways of thinking and acting and embrace new ones.
Change can present opportunities for learning and growth, both spiritually and personally. By facing challenges and adapting to new situations, we become stronger and more resilient. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in the Spirit, which means being open to God’s leading and willing to change when necessary.
What benefit does change provide?
From a Christian perspective, change is viewed as a positive and necessary process for spiritual growth and transformation, allowing individuals to become more like Christ and fulfill God’s purpose. God often uses change to lead us to greater purpose and fulfillment. By trusting in His plan, even when things are uncertain, we can find His peace and direction.
Psalm 27:1 states, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
2 Timothy 1:7 states, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
The next time the Lord asks you or your church to change… do it, because change is for your benefit as the Holy Spirit works His Kingdom plan in and through your life.
Join me next time as we tackle the challenge of ‘missing peace.’ Don’t miss it! Thanks for listening in today, and may God bless you!
