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NewsDay

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Christian principles of change

Columnists
Change is the vehicle that carries us out of current state to a future state. We all desire a better life and that doesn’t happen by chance, but by change.

Change is the vehicle that carries us out of current state to a future state. We all desire a better life and that doesn’t happen by chance, but by change. The next stage and phase of our lives are propelled by change. A better life is sweet, but change is hard; so hard, in fact, that most of us avoid it at all costs.

By avoiding change, we create even bigger problems such as lost opportunities and wasted life. All around us — at home, in our community and at work — change is taking place. Change can be internally inspired or externally motivated. With or without our anticipation, change happens. It can come in a minor way or dramatic and radical manner. Change has to be embraced as a companion in life. Resisting change outdates you.

Construction work at the new PPC Cement Plant in Msasa. yesterday
Construction work at the new PPC Cement Plant in Msasa. yesterday

The word change has to be demystified, especially if you’re reading it from Zimbabwe. Change has been perceived as a political tool for the opposition. Speakers, including preachers refrain from using it for fear of victimisation as fronts of Western illegal unseating of democratically elected government.

Change has thus been seen as a monster meant to disturb peace and rob us of our sovereignty. Its use has been feared lest one would be labelled as propagating Western ideology and an agent of neocolonialism. Touching all aspects of life, change has been studied and seen as the only constant variable cutting across political divides. One philosopher aptly concluded, “Everything that should change stays the same, and everything that should stay the same changes.” If you want to develop, embrace change. Advances are happening through change.

Change is real and necessary. For Christians, change is a principle that is at the fore of your walk with Christ. In preparing the people for Jesus, John the Baptist taught them to repent as recorded in Matthew 3:2 which reads: “And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The word repent means change the mind. For salvation to take place we must change our mind (repent) and agree that God’s way is better than our way. As we grow spiritually, maturity happens by allowing the Holy Spirit to change us as it is written in Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Transformation happens by change. The world isn’t stagnant, to be relevant, change is inevitable. Winds of change are constantly blowing upon the face of the earth.

Change is intimidating because you will be entering an unfamiliar territory. Most of us like predictability. Change means stepping into the unknown and losing your comfortable routine and that’s frightening. To get the full benefits of change as a Christian, you’ve to give up control. Though it’s scary, trust God. He is a responsible and caring God. His love will get you to the finished end of the change. He assures you in Jeremiah 29:11 saying: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” God neither leaves us nor forsakes us. He will finish the work. Philippians 1:6 confirms: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” You need to give God total rein in your life. Loose the grip to Him. His hand is longer and stronger than yours.

Right now, you may be going through a major change in your life. It may be a new job or a job loss; it may be a move to a new house or a new location; it could be the birth of a new child or the loss of a loved one. It could be a pay raise or a major reduction in income. It might be the end of an old relationship or the start of a new one.

Whatever change you may be facing, change has the power to create stress and concern in our lives. Often, change requires us to make adjustments in our attitudes, energy and behaviour that are difficult. Change can take away our feelings of security, tire us out, and lead to fear, doubt and discouragement. God is in control of everything. All you need to do while change is taking place is to surrender to the omniscient God who supersedes human knowledge. Adapt, change and grow. Be tolerant and flexible, but don’t compromise your Christian values.

You are going somewhere.

 All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible

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