CHANGE: RECEIVE OR RESIST?

And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him – Acts 11:2

God is not against change. He is the Unchanging Changer. He uses human beings to initiate every kind of change He desires on earth. God sent His Spirit to bring the desired change into the human system. Change is a fundamental purpose for the Pentecostal Outpouring in the early Church! Also, God worked on Peter in a unique manner to change his attitude to admitting the Gentiles into the Church. The natural human tendency is to resist change, just as “those of the circumcision contended with him” (Acts 11:2).

One of the most difficult things for people to deal with in life is unexpected change. They become too attached to the way things are and have been. It becomes traumatic when what they are used to is taken away from them. Actually, the biggest hindrance to change lies within. Those who are comfortable in their routine usually have the fear of change. They dread that things will never be the same again. Change creates fear in people especially those with an established traditional mindset. While we can appreciate the cultures and principles of our ancestors, we must be bold enough to review their methods.

Our belief system and human emotions can cloud the way we see things. Using past traditional practices as a model for reality could doom fresh ideas to failure. Those who are not willing to embrace change are quick to reject any new information. They will keep on riding a horse even though it’s dead. They think they can keep doing the same thing and get different results. It is unfortunate that when the opportunity of change knocks, some people object to the interruption.

God wants you to position yourself to receive, not resist change, as long as it is in line with His Word. If you try to fight divinely permitted or divinely-orchestrated change, your attitude will suffer, and so will your productivity and performance. Adopt the attitude that expects change; be on the alert for change, and you’ll be a lot better at dealing with it. The choice is yours. Embrace change; receive change, don’t resist it.