I’m sure you’ve heard the “light bulb” jokes. How many archaeologists does it take to change a light bulb? Three. One to screw in the new bulb and two to debate the age of the old one. How many aerospace engineers does it take to change a light bulb? None. It doesnt take a rocket scientist, you know. And my favorite – How many church members does it take to change a light bulb? “Change?” Let’s face it. Change is uncomfortable. We become “set in our ways.” We develop comfort zones and are not easily moved from them. We become accustomed to routines and do not readily deviate from them. I remember a particular Sunday when I was a teenager. The man presiding at the Lord’s Supper was wanting to emphasize our communion with one another. He asked everyone to break off a piece of the bread and hold it until all had been served so we could partake together. Likewise he asked everyone to take a cup and hold it until everyone had one and then drink it together. It seemed like such a simple request but some people were highly offended that he had dared to change the normal routine. I once conducted a congregational survey as part of a research project in Graduate School. Respondents were asked to comment about various aspects of our worship service. One individual complained that they didn’t like the fact that the Lord’s Supper was observed before the sermon and the offering was collected after the sermon. They commented that this was a “violation of the example we find in Scripture.” Of course there is no such example – it was merely a change from the way they had always seen things done. It becomes even more difficult when we must make a change in our lifestyle and behavior. Many people think that God doesn’t care if we change or not. This is simply not the case. Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The meaning of the word, “repent” (from the Greek “metanoia”) is “to change.” God does not leave us helpless in our pursuit of change. Through His Holy Spirit He provides the power we need to change from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor. 3:18) as we develop the nature of Christ. “Heavenly Father, we submit our lives to Your will and to the Lordship of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask You to strengthen us and help us as we change each day to be more and more like Your Son. In His Name we pray, Amen!” - Steve Reeves
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 17:59:48 +0000
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