Change can be good or bad. It can be difficult or easy. It can result in a blessing or a curse. As we have witnessed this past week, change to a corporate logo can alienate a customer base. Merriam-Webster defines change as, "to make different in some particular; to replace with another; to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution." When it comes to the word of God, we must not change it for any reason. In the beginning, middle, and end of the Bible, we are warned not to add to, nor take away from the words of Scripture (see Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18,19). These commands have not stopped many from changing God's design for the organization of the church, how she worships Him, and her primary mission of teaching the gospel. Those who dare to make such changes will give an account to God (see Hebrews 2:1-4).
Though one must not change the word of God, one ought to be changed by the words of God: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2 NKJV). The underlying Greek word for “transformed” is where we get our English word, metamorphosis. The Greek verb literally means, to be changed, and it is in the imperative mood, meaning, it is a command. A man must not think he will be able to justifiably say to Christ on the day of judgment, “This is the way I am, and I can’t help it.” For God has given every accountable person the ability to change his ways. God's approved leader in the days after Moses died was Joshua. We recall what he said to the children of Israel concerning their ability to change: And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
This is not to say that change is always easy. One reason change is difficult is because it compels us to humble ourselves. We must humbly admit that our way is wrong and turn. Some husbands experience this humility after getting lost on a trip and having to go into a gas station to ask for directions. The apostle Peter, on one occasion, needed to change his mind for Jesus told him, you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men (Matthew 16:23d). Peter wanted Jesus to be the conquering hero, and could not envision a crucified Savior, and the Lord gave him a strong rebuke calling him "Satan" (Matthew 16:23). As we read later in Acts, Peter changed and boldly preached Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Most folks are creatures of habit, as is evidenced by where they usually sit in the church building. I am guilty of such too. Therefore, change can be difficult at first, especially a change that requires humility. When it comes to changing myself to be like Christ, change I must! That is what repentance is, and repentance is commanded (Acts 17:30). Repentance is necessary for salvation (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38). The late J.W. McGarvey gave a succinct and biblical description of repentance: "A change of the will produced by sorrow for sin, and leading to reformation" (Original Commentary on Acts, pg. 55). Liars have to change. Adulterers have to change. Those who gossip have to change. Yes, all who sin must change.
Do you need to change? Perhaps your demeanor, or your priorities? The Bible will change you for your good, if you let it. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7). What an indescribable blessing it is that Lord can take me, warts and all, so to speak, and change me through His word to a soul fit for glory! But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Brotherly, Jamie
