Culture of Change
I hate change.
I go to the same restaurant every Saturday night. After scouring the menu, I always order the Number Two with a Pepsi.
When I go to church, I always sit in the same seat way back in the right corner. The row with only 3 seats is my territory.
I worked at my first job for 17 years, and I’ve been at my current job for over a decade. I can drive to work in my sleep.
I apply the same shade of pinkish lipstick every morning as I stand in front of my bathroom mirror.
I love that Scripture in the Bible that says God never changes because upsetting the apple cart makes me very unhappy.
Here’s the problem though. Yes, God is the same yesterday and today and forever, but life is constantly evolving. Therefore, I need to get with the program and rise up from my couch of complacency.
God never tells me that I don’t have to change. Sanctification implies continual transformation.
I’ve read my Bible. In theory I understand the principle of presenting my body as a living sacrifice, but in practice I am a rebel at heart.
I’d rather just sit in the same row and have it my way.
When I read my New Testament, I see clearly how God hates willful people who are stubborn of heart and loathe to change.
Jesus heard about it and spoke up, ‘Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out.’ ~ Luke 5:31-32, MSG
Christ invites us to walk with Him so that He can work His wonder in our lives. We are called to be display cases for His glory.
I cannot fly like a butterfly unless I am first willing to break out of my cocoon of fear.
Tonight, I’m asking God to birth a metamorphosis in my heart and mind.
How about you? Do you long to fly for God’s glory? I’ve got 3 suggestions to jump-start our journey.
3 Changes to Launch Your Flight
- Be a Truth Teller: Stop lying to yourself about yourself. Be authentically you — flaws, weaknesses, and brokenness are cracks where God’s glorious light shines through to this world. Tell your story warts and all. Speak the unedited truth to everyone you meet.
- “What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself” (Ephesians 4:25, MSG).
- Be a Grace Extender: The enemy of your soul wants to get you mad at everybody. He would prefer for you to stay home on the couch nursing a grudge than out and about sharing the Good News. Don’t give him that pleasure. Extend God’s forgiveness and find freedom.
- “Be angry at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior, yet do not sin; do not let your anger cause you shame, nor allow it to last until the sun goes down. And do not give the devil an opportunity to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness… Do not let unwholesome foul, profane, worthless, vulgar words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear you speak. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God but seek to please Him, by whom you were sealed and marked branded as God’s own for the day of redemption the final deliverance from the consequences of sin. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice – all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence. Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted, compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another readily and freely, just as God in Christ also forgave you” (vs. 26-27, 29-32 AMP).
- Be a Generous Giver: Hoarding has no place in the heart of a believer. Ask God to give you a passion for sharing from your stockpile. We lack for nothing, but many around us are hurting and in desperate need of our compassion.
- “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need” (vs. 28, NLT).
Let’s stop crawling and create a culture of change that springboards us to soar for God’s glory.
Something to think about…
Wow, good words for me in this land of the “empty-ing” nest. Most nights, I have no idea how many plates to put on the table as the kids come and go — and bring extras! Thanks for this encouragement to live in the midst of change with grace and NOT with fear.
Race ya to the next available flower!
I love the thought of being a display case for His glory! (btw, I was looking for your click to tweet after reading your comment in the Compel thread recently. 😉 I have been disappointed you didn’t have them before. Off to share via your click to tweet!)
Thanks, Kelly! As you can tell, I am reluctant to change my plugins. LOL. Trying to get with the program in 2017… slowly but surely. 🙂
My husband is kind of change-adverse at heart too, Lyli. I don’t mind change, but I like a lull of calm in between. 🙂 — I love these three points. Truth, grace and generosity will set us free from the sidelines every time, won’t they? 🙂 Thanks for sharing, friend. xoxo
I relate to all three of your bullet points for this post. I can get so twisted up in a cycle of inward criticism, doubt, and guilt …for being mad at someone…or myself …it’s crazy! Only time in God’s word and in prayer sets me back on track. The attack is real! Somedays are a battle of the mind.
Happy Thursday,
Megs
“Here’s the problem though. Yes, God is the same yesterday and today and forever, but life is constantly evolving.”
I remember when my family was going through so many changes in 2010 after my dad died and my mom moved into assisted living with Alzheimer’s. The only constant at that time was God’s love! Everything else seemed to be shifting underneath my feet. That was the truth that sustained me. Love this post, Lyli! I can be quite a creature of habit too. 🙂
may we all be a knock-out display case for His glory! I love change!! I would move across the street if I liked that house better (which I don’t…) I don’t always love how I NEED to change to be a better display case – but I love the results of change. kindreds in that area! xx
I love this post, Lyli. I don’t do well with change. We might even have the same seats in church except we go left 🙂 But here is what I am finding to be true in my life – God does not cooperate with my dislike of change. He orchestrates change and moves me out of my comfort zone, ready or not. And I am finding, I actually like the places He pushes me to go. It is always good to join you!
Love the butterfly quote, one of my favorites. I’m not a change fan either, Lyli. These are great insights for motivation and conviction!
“I cannot fly like a butterfly unless I am first willing to break out of my cocoon of fear.” Lyli, I really love your encouragement here. It’s so easy to just try to keep things the same, but you are right, we can’t fly unless we are willing to change. Your tips are very doable and so helpful. May God help us be willing to make changes as He leads so we can “…soar for God’s glory.”
Blessings to you, dear Lyli!
Be a truth teller – yes, yes, yes – and yes to grace and generosity too! Great post, Lyli.
“I cannot fly like a butterfly unless I am first willing to break out of my cocoon of fear.”
This is such a freeing thought!
Oh wow, Lyli as one that tends to cling all things familiar reading your words are like a big “ouch”. Love the three practical times you shared.
Such a good word. I know there are areas of my life where God wants me to step outside my comfort zone and pursue change, but I keep making excuses and dragging my feet. Thanks for the action steps-maybe they’ll help me get moving. ?
Wonderful on the truth of how it is. He calls us to grow outside of our comfort zones weekly! Thanks you for sharing and hosting!
Good advice for not lying to yourself about yourself. Most people are not aware of this, but it definitely is the first step towards self-change.