Newness II: Change with Integrity

Newness II: Change with Integrity

Genesis 11:31 – 12:2

When you start something new such as a new day, new relationship or new challenge you can enjoy newness of God's mercies and loving kindnesses. These unfailing mercies are also available to you as you plan your life (Lamentation 3:22-25). The difference you want to make in your life situation that has been elusive in the past could be achieved if you do something new. However, not all change is beneficial. The following are four building blocks of beneficial change.

The Necessity of Change. Abraham heard God and his station and mission in life changed (Genesis 12:1-2). You cannot stay where you are and grow and go with God. Change is will happen in your life and organization because of obeying God. If you are hearing God, something will change. Leaving something is a condition for walking with God.

Change will happen all around you whether you like it or not. If you do not change, you will soon be irrelevant. Change is necessary because of the dream you have. What stands between you and the dream of your life and vision of your enterprise is not just a chronological gap but also a transformation gap. Between now and then you have to transform to fit the dream. If you are taking life lessons to heart, you will not fail to change to bring out your best. Change is also necessary because you are searching what works best. You are disturbed when activity no longer equals productivity. Sustaining productivity and growth in a changing environment implies change on your part.

The Integrity of Change. God said to Abraham you are going to a place I will show you (Genesis 12:1). Before one embarks on change, one must acknowledge that some things do not change. Not all new ideas are good ideas. The leadership of God was a given in the change in Abraham’s life.  Before you effect change, identify the things that must remain unchanged. They serve as an anchor and campus for navigating the maze of change possibilities. When the choices are complex and the climate is foggy, you want something that does not change to turn to. God's timeless values and principles provide that orientation in life. Water remains as such even if poured into containers of varied shapes. You also should introduce change without mortifying yourself by compromising your identity.

The Creativity of Change. God told Abraham things He would do - I will make you, I will bless you and I will bless through you (Genesis 12:2-3). Creation is something God does to bring about things that do not exist into being. The Bible assertion that we bear the image of such a God, is a vivid portrayal of the power of human potential (Genesis 2:26). Particularly for His children through faith in Christ, they have the ability not just to generate creative ideas but also to translate them to real solutions.

The Sensitivity of Change.  Abraham had to deal with people like his family, father and nephew (Genesis 11:31-32). Change will affect you and those around you. The successful implementation of change often depends on the support of certain people, for example your spouse. Do something to show affected people the benefit of the change.