Discerning Change?

It is a well know fact that the number one stressor for the human psyche is dealing with the death of a spouse.  I can’t even begin to imagine… However, I recently read some information that basically said that “systemic change” in belief, value, or worldview for anyone over the age of sixty years old has the same effect!!

What that suggests to me is that change is hard…especially for people over sixty! I would love to read more studies on the “age” aspect of this equation.  I know MANY under sixty years of age who feel the same way about “systemic change.”  I think there are far too many factors involved to simply suggest that “old people” are resistant to change.  Who isn’t?

For as much as I have taught and preached that our world is constantly changing—I am not all that wild about change myself.  More and more I am dependent on routine and comfort for stability and security in my life.  When I turn on the radio I NEVER listen to a station that has songs that are completely unfamiliar to me. In fact, I tend to have about three stations that I listen to: Christian, Classic Rock, and more classic rock.  I don’t turn on country, urban/hip-hop, or Euro not only because I dislike them but because I am not COMFORTABLE with them…when I turn on the radio I want to hear songs that I am comfortable with, melodies and harmonies that bring me comfort because of their familiarity...familiarity doesn't ALWAYS breed contempt!

However, sometimes, by no fault of our own, change is thrust upon us. When that happens we really only have three options: fight, flight, or adaptation.

1. FIGHT—some things are worth dying for, but not EVERYTHING…choose wisely.
2. FLIGHT—this response is twofold: (1) go someplace else where comfort easily returns, (2) “hunker-in-the-bunker” and hope it will all pass away  before you come up for air…neither usually solve the long term problem because they only deal with existential fear and insecurity.
3. ADAPTATION—is the hardest path…but also the most mature.  Change is inevitable…being trampled in the stampede is optional. Be honest enough to voice disapproval, but mature enough to understand that the world doesn’t revolve around us.

I’ll confess that it is a challenge.  Even my own life now reflects that more often than I care to admit.  In the midst of being unemployed, and without clear direction, I am suddenly bombarded with several options all of which seem to be plagued with “what ifs…” and uncertainty. I like change, as long as it is built on a sturdy foundation…but diversity without a foundation is like working the trapeze without a net. When I find myself in these situations I pray for discernment.

               Yes I need direction. Yes I need wisdom. However, what I really need is to discern what my desire is and what is God’s desire for me…after all I tend to be VERY selfish (especially when it comes to MY comfort!). One of my favorite passages is Romans 12: 1-3:

 ¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. ² Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The word, “discern” or “discernment” does not appear in this text but the concept does.  The ideal of “testing” and “approving” are synonyms for “discern.”  Paul is telling us that if we need to discern God’s will for us there are things that we must do as well.

               In view of what God has done for us we must willingly offer ourselves as living sacrifices…the problem with “living sacrifices” is that they continually jump off the altar!  Paul goes on to say that we must continually (grammatically the participle form makes this clear) stop conforming to the world and allow ourselves to be transformed (also ongoing) by the “renewing of your mind.”  Paul says, then, and only then, will we be able to discern what God’s will is. And, oh, by the way, God’s will is always: good, pleasing, and perfect…and that sounds pretty safe and comfortable to me.