TRANSITIONS

Isn't amazing how many different transitions there are in our journey through life on earth? Some changes are exciting and challenging while others are filled with dread and are very painful. How we view CHANGE itself has great influence on how we respond to changes we didn't plan or want. I once heard someone say that the only people in the church who like change are the babies with dirty diapers. I don't think that is true but it does highlight how many people just want things to stay the same -- even if the "same" isn't accomplishing our objectives.

It is a season of change in my life personally. My daughter is graduating from High School and is ready to move on with the exciting things taking place in her life. My son is working out of town now so we never see him (ok he's 24 but we still like seeing him). My wife realized it was getting close to being just she and I so she got a dog!! I could sit around and feel down-and-out about these inevitable changes or embrace them, learn "in" them, and maximize every opportunity they bring. The real issue is my attitude and heart, not my circumstances.

In many ways it is also a time of transition for us spiritually. WE are living in a time when the organized, structured church is just not accomplishing the objectives given to us by our Founder, President and C.E.O. -- Jesus. For many in these organizations such "realities" are troubling but not enough to motivate any radical changes. I empathize with those who like things the way they have been for a long time. There is something soothing and comforting in things staying the same.

Unfortunately this is not the way God's church grows and impacts our world. Churches everywhere are struggling to keep up buildings and maintain programs while simultaneously proclaiming that the church is not buildings, it is the PEOPLE! When suggestions are made that veer too far from the "norm" it is viewed with suspicion. The church is confused and we know that confused people don't do anything daring or risky!

My dear friends, Christianity is risky and daring. It takes great COURAGE and the STRENGTH that only God can give to be a part of something God-Sized! The sad thing is that CHANGE is being forced on God's People when it could have been embraced and maximized long ago. WE have waited far too long to show the world who our Savior is instead of promoting our next program or "selling" the great services we can render for your family. PEOPLE NEED THE LORD, NOT THE CHURCH! Once they get SAVED then they will WANT to be around other BELIEVERS!

I am realistic about things changing and can't wait to see how God will bless those who step out on faith. God told a man named Abram: "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." (Gen. 12:1) Then we read, "So Abram left, as the Lord had told him." (Gen. 12:4a) God is looking for a group of people who are willing to "Follow" Him by using the FAITH we see demonstrated by a man named Abram. A hurting world needs to see what God can do for them and not what the church can do for them. Ultimate Triumph awaits the daring risk takers who FOLLOW God's CALL. Read the ACTS stories to see what God will do IF we are willing to trust Him.