TOPIC: The Importance of Change (Its Spiritual Significance)
MINISTER: Rev Noah Oladipo
There are few phenomena in our world that are lacking comprehensive and exhaustive definitions such as “Change.”
In spite of its large usage and numerous definitions, few people completely grasp what change really entails in practical circles as well as spiritual nuances.
Change can mean a plethora of different things ranging from ‘passing from one state to the next’ to ‘a switch in direction’ or even ‘replacing one thing with another – either new or different’ or ‘to switch or alter.’
All of these in no small way signify that whatever change stands for, it is relatively ordinary and common to us all.
Change should transcend everything in our lives including character. Quite importantly, change should not be deterred by people’s perception of who you used to be or even past wrongs committed {Rom. 8:1}. We shouldn’t imbibe a trait of setting boundaries and limits as to how much change we are willing to undergo. Further, we should not be quick to disregard criticisms even though some are erroneous - there is always some truth that can be learned from keeping an open mind.
Beloved, the bible reveals to us that God considers it rather foolish to wallow in past errors instead of moving forward. Jesus’ parable of how a woman in travail forgets the pain after the child is born {John 16:21} points out that when the expected success finally comes, the previously excruciating pain becomes a mere memory. Our heavenly Father expects that we look through the pain with eyes of faith to his promise. Moreover, we have a model in Jesus who endured the pain of the cross for the joy set before him {Heb. 12:2}. Before death he was the Son of God, he became the resurrected Christ after death {John 12:24; Rev. 1:18}
We must understand that change will hardly be necessary if the status quo were good enough in itself. Change comes about to exchange the old for something better owing to a default in the former {Heb. 8:7}. Constant change therefore, is the path way to success. It should thus be a source of inspiration for believers rather than something to fear.
Herbert Spencer, an English Sociologist posited that, “a living thing is distinguished from a dead thing by the multiplicity of changes at any moment taking place in it.” He was of the opinion that change is so fundamental even in social contexts that it forms evidence of life in itself. In other words, only inanimate things don’t undergo change. It is impossible to grow without change. A living thing exuding the quality of change will find that the only forms of change that will be of benefit is that which is for good for example, an eaglet learning to fly.
It is of little curiosity that this is backed up by scripture. A person who refuses to change after his mistake is exposed is considered to be as one who is dead. “The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead,” Proverbs 21:16. It is impossible to grow without change.
Those who find it difficult or impossible to change their minds cannot change anything.
Every success or victory starts from the mind. Every success we see in the world today started from being a dream. You must be prepared to undergo the necessary change to make that dream into a reality. Take for example the founder of the renowned restaurant chain, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). You must always demonstrate courage to start all over again, no matter how far you have come. Life is always at a turning point and it is impossible to attain progress without change.
The author of the bestseller, ‘Tough Times Never Last but Tough People Do,’ Dr. Robert Schuller opined that, “for every impossibility, there are a thousand ways to make that possible.” It is not uncommon to find, however, that these solutions may elude us sometimes because rather than direct or physical solutions, God makes an idea that will do just as much good available.
Some of the character we must develop in a bid to be open to change are hard to master but are like change just as important. We must be willing to compromise on our sense of self pride occasionally and talk to people in other to harness opportunities made available by God as he would always use another man to meet your needs. A wise word says, “don’t ever beg, but if you must, don’t beg for trifles.” You must be willing to be consistently perseverant and be resolute in your pursuit in order to effect practical changes in your life.
Another important character to imbibe is that of diligence to take hold of opportunities without delay, hesitation or worse, procrastination. Opportunities should be rushed at because of the low chances of similar ones arising.
The bible is quite extensive, if you may, on how much little beginnings or present situations are not appropriate for evaluating how the end will turn out to be. Job 8:7 points out that ‘latter ends’ will be of much increase regardless of how relatively ‘small’ the beginning is. Moreover, the bible points out in Job 14:7-9 that Hopelessness will only come about when you give room for it. It should not be tolerated. It does this by illustrating that a cut-down tree in a perceived hopeless position will sprout again ‘through a scent of water.’
The story of Elijah {1 kings 17:9-16} emphasises how conviction we should have about God’s word. Although he relied on God’s instruction about the widow of Zarephath, it appeared there wasn’t any provision made available but he judged him faithful who had promised {Heb. 11:11} and spoke God’s word into existence rather than lose hope.
It is easy to ridicule any venture at its inception but you must not. Rather, you must work at it in order to enlarge its coast. In addition, the process may be slow but change is assured when you fix your mind upon it with firm convictions.
Beloved, the sum of this discourse is to the effect that change is God’s will for us and we must be open to it as we stand to gain so much. A person who never changes his mind never corrects his mistakes. It is a common saying that, ‘yesterday’s formula for success is often tomorrow’s recipe for failure.’ Also, ‘you can’t become what you want to be by remaining the way you are.’
Finally, John Peterson commented that, “Only fools and dead men don’t change – fools won’t, dead men can’t.” The man who uses yesterday’s method for today’s challenge will be out of business tomorrow
MINISTER: Rev Noah Oladipo
There are few phenomena in our world that are lacking comprehensive and exhaustive definitions such as “Change.”
In spite of its large usage and numerous definitions, few people completely grasp what change really entails in practical circles as well as spiritual nuances.
Change can mean a plethora of different things ranging from ‘passing from one state to the next’ to ‘a switch in direction’ or even ‘replacing one thing with another – either new or different’ or ‘to switch or alter.’
All of these in no small way signify that whatever change stands for, it is relatively ordinary and common to us all.
Change should transcend everything in our lives including character. Quite importantly, change should not be deterred by people’s perception of who you used to be or even past wrongs committed {Rom. 8:1}. We shouldn’t imbibe a trait of setting boundaries and limits as to how much change we are willing to undergo. Further, we should not be quick to disregard criticisms even though some are erroneous - there is always some truth that can be learned from keeping an open mind.
Beloved, the bible reveals to us that God considers it rather foolish to wallow in past errors instead of moving forward. Jesus’ parable of how a woman in travail forgets the pain after the child is born {John 16:21} points out that when the expected success finally comes, the previously excruciating pain becomes a mere memory. Our heavenly Father expects that we look through the pain with eyes of faith to his promise. Moreover, we have a model in Jesus who endured the pain of the cross for the joy set before him {Heb. 12:2}. Before death he was the Son of God, he became the resurrected Christ after death {John 12:24; Rev. 1:18}
We must understand that change will hardly be necessary if the status quo were good enough in itself. Change comes about to exchange the old for something better owing to a default in the former {Heb. 8:7}. Constant change therefore, is the path way to success. It should thus be a source of inspiration for believers rather than something to fear.
It is of little curiosity that this is backed up by scripture. A person who refuses to change after his mistake is exposed is considered to be as one who is dead. “The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead,” Proverbs 21:16. It is impossible to grow without change.
Those who find it difficult or impossible to change their minds cannot change anything.
Every success or victory starts from the mind. Every success we see in the world today started from being a dream. You must be prepared to undergo the necessary change to make that dream into a reality. Take for example the founder of the renowned restaurant chain, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). You must always demonstrate courage to start all over again, no matter how far you have come. Life is always at a turning point and it is impossible to attain progress without change.
The author of the bestseller, ‘Tough Times Never Last but Tough People Do,’ Dr. Robert Schuller opined that, “for every impossibility, there are a thousand ways to make that possible.” It is not uncommon to find, however, that these solutions may elude us sometimes because rather than direct or physical solutions, God makes an idea that will do just as much good available.
Some of the character we must develop in a bid to be open to change are hard to master but are like change just as important. We must be willing to compromise on our sense of self pride occasionally and talk to people in other to harness opportunities made available by God as he would always use another man to meet your needs. A wise word says, “don’t ever beg, but if you must, don’t beg for trifles.” You must be willing to be consistently perseverant and be resolute in your pursuit in order to effect practical changes in your life.
Another important character to imbibe is that of diligence to take hold of opportunities without delay, hesitation or worse, procrastination. Opportunities should be rushed at because of the low chances of similar ones arising.
The bible is quite extensive, if you may, on how much little beginnings or present situations are not appropriate for evaluating how the end will turn out to be. Job 8:7 points out that ‘latter ends’ will be of much increase regardless of how relatively ‘small’ the beginning is. Moreover, the bible points out in Job 14:7-9 that Hopelessness will only come about when you give room for it. It should not be tolerated. It does this by illustrating that a cut-down tree in a perceived hopeless position will sprout again ‘through a scent of water.’
The story of Elijah {1 kings 17:9-16} emphasises how conviction we should have about God’s word. Although he relied on God’s instruction about the widow of Zarephath, it appeared there wasn’t any provision made available but he judged him faithful who had promised {Heb. 11:11} and spoke God’s word into existence rather than lose hope.
It is easy to ridicule any venture at its inception but you must not. Rather, you must work at it in order to enlarge its coast. In addition, the process may be slow but change is assured when you fix your mind upon it with firm convictions.
Beloved, the sum of this discourse is to the effect that change is God’s will for us and we must be open to it as we stand to gain so much. A person who never changes his mind never corrects his mistakes. It is a common saying that, ‘yesterday’s formula for success is often tomorrow’s recipe for failure.’ Also, ‘you can’t become what you want to be by remaining the way you are.’
Finally, John Peterson commented that, “Only fools and dead men don’t change – fools won’t, dead men can’t.” The man who uses yesterday’s method for today’s challenge will be out of business tomorrow
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