The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with saying,
“Everything changes, and nothing remains still.”
Or, another way of saying it is:
The only thing that is constant is change.
I wonder what Heraclitus would have thought about the twenty-first
century. Social, cultural, technological, and environmental
changes are just some of the changes that come to mind. As
humans, we are aware of change but rarely do we like it. We
are creatures of habit. We like to have predictability. So, when
there is change we generally react negatively. Fear, anxiety,
confusion, and anger are just some of the emotions that we
have to contend with during change, and unfortunately they
may lead to rage or lashing out, even for Christians.
The writer of Hebrews provided a helpful word of
encouragement for Christians living in this world
as he stated,
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and
forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NKJV).
But not all change is negative.
Change is also a part of the Christian life,
in fact, as believers we are told that
“we are being transformed into his [Christ’s] image”
(2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)
as a result of the New Covenant. By accepting the promises of
the New Covenant, we are saved, but the promise of the New
Covenant also means that we grow in godliness. Therefore, we
must continually allow the Holy Spirit to change us. Under the
influence of the Holy Spirit, our fear, anxiety, confusion, anger,
and rage are replaced by hope, confidence, clarity, and love. In
order to access this power, we must continually embrace
change. Let’s consider these things as we remember who leads
us. We need leaders and even spiritual leaders,
but we are all led by Christ.
Best,
Abel
Scripture
1 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all
Israel: 2 “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I
am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me,
‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ 3 The LORD your God
himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these
nations before you, and you will take possession of their
land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as
the LORD said. 4 And the LORD will do to them what he did
to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he
destroyed along with their land. 5 The LORD will
deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I
have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for
the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave
you nor forsake you.”
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the
presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you
must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore
to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it
among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes
before you and will be with you; he will never leave you
nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,”
Deuteronomy 31:1-8, NIV
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