We hear a lot about ‘change’. Politicians frequently talk about changing things in government. Educators discuss changing our schools. Societal trends and technological advances have powerfully changed things in our daily lives. We now hear of ‘personal trainers’ who try to help people modify their living habits and routines. So, with all this talk about ‘change,’ what about ‘change’ when it comes to religious matters?
First, we should observe that some things should not be changed. God has clearly revealed His will for our lives in the inspired Word. What He has taught us – the things the Scriptures command and authorize (Colossians 3:17) – should NOT be altered (Revelation 22:18). Men have imagined that they can change such things, and they have proceeded to do so with abandon. At their whim, via a ‘church council’, or by a human vote, they make revisions to the ‘perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25). Do they really think that they can improve on God’s plan? Apparently so! This is wrong, and these ‘changes’ must be avoided.
Second, some things absolutely should be changed. Here we have in mind any sinful things that exist in our personal lives or in our collective endeavors. It is never too soon to rid ourselves of evil. John the Baptist urged his hearers to “bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance” (Luke 3:8). We should do the same, and we ought to do in NOW. Such change is not only good, it is commanded and necessary.
Finally, some change is neither inherently good nor bad. Some things are judgment matters. When this is the case, we can be flexible. We should “be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). It does not have to be ‘my way’. I can and should yield to others. This type of change may help to advance the kingdom and do much good. In such cases we must be careful about stubbornly resisting ‘change’.
– by Greg Gwin