The good type of change - God's perspective on life changes

What is being said all around us?

Nowadays we can hardly get through one morning without hearing more than ten opinions about HOW

we should live. This happens through a constant stream of stimuli that surrounds us every day, from

social media to music and inspirational quotes. Many of these say something along the lines of ‘don’t

change who you are’ or ‘just be yourself’. Even though it is good to be true to yourself, there is also a lot

of value in change that the world does not always see.

Why should we change?

A good type of change is seen throughout the Bible in various places. The book Ecclesiastes talks a lot

about time, and how change is inevitable in the human life. We can even look to nature to see how the

different seasons play essential roles in the coming of the next, and for life to continue. From these

examples, we can see that change is not something that should be resisted, but rather it is something

that should be embraced. If we don’t have a heart that is open to renewal, we will remain in the same

place and never become who we were meant to be.

Who should we change for?

One thing that we must take note of when changing, is who we are changing for. If the change is not

motivated from a very deep place, we tend to give up quickly. Firstly, we must realize that even though

God meets us where we are, He never leaves us as we are. A healthy relationship with God will

transform us (Romans 12:1-2) and lead us to want to be more like Jesus Christ. Secondly, we can change

to become the best version of ourselves- essentially then, we are changing for ourselves. Although we

must change, we can find comfort in the fact that Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever

(Hebrews 13:8).

How can we live a life that is open to positive change?

Not only is this type of change a good thing, but it can be necessary. Having a goal or something to strive

towards can give our lives direction and a sense of purpose. Think of Jeremiah 29:11 where God

promises that His plans for us are to give us hope and a future. Some ways that you can be more open to

change is by having good role models, imagining the person who you want to be, and setting monthly

goals (instead of annual ones). Also, have grace for yourself when you face new situations in life, and

grow through what you go through. Jesus loves us too much to leave us as we are. Through His grace,

we are changed and given a new life.