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God: The Author & Creator of Change
In one way or another, all of us have an aversion to change, especially when things appear to be going reasonably well. But we serve a God who says, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5). The flood, the call of Abraham, the Mosaic covenant, the new covenant, the incarnation, the crucifixion, the resurrection, the day of Pentecost, the second advent, the new heavens and new earth—all of these illustrate the dramatic and unprecedented innovations brought by God.
Jesus: A Change Agent
The Pharisees gave Jesus a hard time because he didn’t force his disciples to fast. Jesus informed them that he had not come to add new rules and regulations to Judaism. He had something entirely new to offer. The Lord made it clear to the religious leaders that he hadn’t come to patch an old system (Mark 2:21-22).
The old forms of Judaism could never contain the spirit of Jesus’ message.
Jesus was an innovator and change leader. What innovations have you brought to the team you lead? What innovations would you like to introduce? What’s holding you back?
God Helps Abram & Peter to Be the Change…
All believers are in a process (whether we resist it or not) of becoming the people God meant us to be. Without change, growth is impossible.
In Genesis, Abram experienced incredible change through his encounters with God. God asked for a complete overhaul of Abram’s career, dreams, and destiny. God even changed his name to Abraham to signify the depth of this change. How did Abram respond? Very simply, “Abram believed the Lord” (Genesis 15:6).
The Christian life is an ongoing process of change and transformation, grounded in the belief that this process is reforming us to become more Christlike?
Change is tough enough when we’re the only ones involved, but the role of the leader is to bring about change in others and the organization. God led Peter from being an opponent of change to becoming its champion in Acts 10. Let’s explore 7 key principles from the passage:
- God started where Peter was, addressing his values and convictions (Acts 10:9-16).
- God allowed Peter to challenge the idea (Acts 10:14-15).
- God gave Peter time to work through his resistance (Acts 10:16-17).
- God permitted Peter to observe change in a limited situation before suggesting wholesale change. He allowed Peter to “try on” the change.
- The change proposal was well prepared. God anticipated Peter’s questions and had evidence ready.
- God didn’t ask Peter to “change”; he invited him to participate in improving what Peter loved. Peter saw the advantage of the new over the old (Acts 10:34).
- God convinced a key leader and allowed that leader himself to champion the change (Acts 11:1-18). Some changes need the support of a few key leaders who then help others move in the new direction.
You: A Change Leader?
What about you? Whom do you most identify with?
Sam Voorhies is an international management consultant who’s helped a number of organizations walk through the thorny process of change. Through his experiences, he’s learned some key principles that will produce growth instead of division:
- Don’t take things too personally.
- View things in light of eternity, from God’s perspective.
- Focus on your call, not your career.
- Take responsibility for how you respond.
- Know that God will never forget nor forsake you.
Voorhies summarizes his article “Growing Through Change” with these words: “When we feel we are victims of change, it is important to remember that God’s care and love for us is much closer than we imagine. Know that He is with you even during these troubled and insecure times.”
All “Out of This World Leaders” need the ability to hold on to their core values while making the changes necessary in themselves and their teams to advance their cause.
May your change leadership skills take you far, as you shoot for the stars!