I Don't Like Change!

Let's face it, it is in our human nature to resist change!  Yet, change is irresistible - at least it is unstoppable.

As we grow old, we change ... we don't like that change, so we substitute it with another change.  We change our hair color.  We change jobs and careers in mid-life.  Some change marriage partners.  Some move to another place.  Then, some go for the BIG change!  Before the television show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," there was a show, "Extreme Makeover."  In that show people had radical plastic surgery.  People were changing because they didn't like change.

Kokomo has changed!  My family moved here in 1965 - from Florida!  The reason?  No jobs in Florida, lots of jobs in Kokomo.  Things have changed!

The fact is, Change is in God's plan - and it is something we should be THANKFUL for!

Here are 3 unchangeable facts about change -

1.  If you are a Christian, you have been changed!

Wasn't that a good change?  Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).

Think of some of the great characters in the Bible - Jacob, Moses, Christ's disciples, Paul - all of them and more experienced great changes in their lives - for the good!

That's why New Life is changing - because God is changing us!  He is changing people!  He is changing Kokomo!  We are changing with God!

In 2012, we are going to have more opportunities for families to worship together.  We are going to have an "Extreme Makeover: Worship Center Edition."  And, we are going to have 2 Sunday morning worship opportunities in 2012 - at 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

If you haven't changed, you're stagnant - and a stagnant pool breeds death and disease!

God is changing things for good!  Look up in your Bible and read Ephesians 2:1-9 & 1st Corinthians 6:9-11.

The second unchangeable fact about change is this:

2.  Once in the Faith we must continue to Change and Grow!

When the prophet Samuel was sent by God to anoint a young man named Saul to be the first king of the nation of Israel, Samuel said to him, "At that time the Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and ... You will be changed into a different person" (1st Samuel 10:6).  

When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, there is change - we have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

And -

3.  We must be looking to the Ultimate Change!

Read 1st Corinthians 15:51-57.  The Bible says that Jesus Christ is coming back and will change us all!  He's gonna change everything!  Three times in 2 chapters of Matthew (24 & 25) Jesus said that we are to be keeping watch and ready for His return!

Change is good!  Change is wonderful!  When we fight it - we lose, we get hurt!  When we embrace it, are thankful for it, we help to shape it, form it, and direct it.  Then we receive the rewards that it brings!

Develop a mindset of accepting change - it is the transitions of God!