Wars have started over things like this. It is nearly inconceivable to suggest we change the very essence of a major event in the life of a church. This discussion nearly caused a rift in the faithful women of our small community. It was suggested we lose the chicken and change the annual fundraiser dinner to pork roast.
“But it’s always been called the Chicken Supper. People know it, look forward to it, and say we have the best fried chicken dinner around. How can we change the menu?”
Actually, we had no choice. When we moved into our new facility, inspectors informed us a commercial-size ventilation hood would be required if we were ever going to prepare fried foods. It was an extra cost … one that just wasn’t in the construction budget. After nearly forty years of chopping, trimming, sorting, flouring, and frying chicken, enough was enough.
Change is difficult, but making changes in our lives when we accept Christ as our savior is essential. Becoming a Christian doesn’t mean we lose who we are. It gives us the opportunity to see ourselves—and our lives—differently. Shifting our thinking from “what do I want” to “what does God want for me” refocuses us from a self-centered mindset to a God-centered lifestyle. When we allow God to use us in His work, our ambitions take a backseat to finding out where God is working in our community, our church, and our family.
Sometimes change is forced upon us, but sometimes the choice to change is ours. Do we continue to do things the way we always have even if the old patterns and routines leave us struggling?
Allow God to transform you so His will in this world and in your life can be achieved.
(Photo courtesy of office.microsoft.com.)
(For more devotions, visit us at www.christiandevotions.us.)
Karen Oglesby is a writer and a florist. She and husband Gary enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, preferably on a golf course. She also enjoys singing, gardening, preaching, and spending time with her three children and grandson, Dylan. Karen and Gary live in Manhattan, IL.