Change is hard. As much as we know we need change to grow, we approach it kicking and screaming. I had to wonder why that is. Why do we fight good change?
I watched as a young mom tried to switch her toddler’s way-too-small jacket for a softer, better-fitting one. She held the child with one hand while she did her best to pull off the old jacket and replace it with the new one. The two spun in circles, as though they’d practiced this dance multiple times before. Once mom managed to trade the coats, the toddler immediately began rubbing the soft, fluffy new jacket. She quickly felt the difference in the new coat. Not so bad after all.
We cling to the old because it’s familiar, comfortable, and well … somewhat accommodating to our ways. Who wants to make a change when things are going smoothly? No one notices that the coat they are wearing may be too tight—that the fit might not be as it once was. We like the old. It’s what we know. When a change is offered that will improve our situation, we dance in circles just like that toddler.
Paul encouraged the church in Colossae to make a hard change (Colossians 3:8, 10). Stop the bad practices like anger and rage, malice and slander, and filthy language. Get rid of the things that caused them discord and unhappiness, and put on the new self. Take hold of the things that would make their lives better, the things that imitate their Creator.
Each New Year’s Eve, many people make a list of resolutions. Some list goals they’d love to achieve or places they dream of traveling, but most list the things they want to fix or change—lose weight, exercise more, rest. Then comes January 2, when the changes should begin. That’s when the real battle starts—the kicking and screaming, the tantrum-throwing. Change hurts. Whether it’s a change in our personal life, church, or work, even in our family, it doesn’t matter. It hurts.
When you wake up this New Year’s Day, be wrapped in the new. Allow God to make changes in your life for the better. His plan is to prosper you and not harm you. Now, let Him help you grow.
Cindy K. Sproles is a best-selling, award-winning author. She is a speaker and a conference teacher who teaches nationwide. Cindy is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries, www.christiandevotions.us, and www.inspireafire.com. She serves as a writing mentor with WRAMS (Writing Write Author Mentoring Service) and is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.