Change

The word "change" is very popular these days. We have only to look at the last presidential election to see that. It was evident that some people did not even understand the true beliefs of the candidate they were supporting, only that they were supporting "change." And even though they didn't realize what "changes" would occur, they voted for "change," simply for the sake of "change."

This mindset has its impact upon the church as well. Among certain believers, there is also a compulsion for "change." An assault is being carried out that purposes to change the Scriptural way of life which has endured for generations. Because the culture of the world around us is changing, we are told that believers are compelled to change also for our spiritual lives to be relevant.

But what says the Scripture?
"For I am the LORD, I change not" -Malachi 3:6
God, His Word and His expectations of mankind have not changed throughout thousands of years and many varied cultures.

"My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?" -Proverbs 24:21-22

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." And then, in the very next verse, the Scripture warns us: "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines." --Hebrews 13:8-9

The change that God delights in is that which occurs when we surrender our filthy, sinful hearts and lives to Him in repentance. HE then changes us through conversion and baptism to become a new creature in Christ and we live a radically changed life of sanctification and holiness by His grace. And, if we are submissive to Him, He changes us day by day through trials and persecutions to mold us more into His image. We grow in love and fellowship with one another as we open our hearts to the changes God makes in us as He fashions our lives.
"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" -Ephesians 4:14-15

Until the moment comes for our final change!
We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump... -I Corinthians 15:51-52