Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Why Do I Have to Change?

“Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here.
Change your life and believe the Message.”

Mark 1:15 (The Message)

It’s election time again and just about every politician promises change. In a world that changes faster than my ability to keep up, I keep looking for the “change” that will be positive. Whether it’s “change” that takes me back to some point where I felt comfortable or “change” that takes me out of my discomfort, I tend to only want “change” that keeps me well within my comfort zone.

“Change” shouldn’t happen just for the sake of changing. When Jesus preaches about the good news that God’s Kingdom is now, he’s talking about a “change” with a purpose, change with one goal in mind—life itself.

Peter and Andrew, James and John leave the only life they know to follow Jesus. Their choice of “change” brought financial instability, not only to themselves, but to those who depended on them. What went through their minds as they changed their lives, we’ll never know. But the gospels let us see that their change choice radically altered their lives and changed the course of millions of lives. Their’s was a change for growth and life in God’s kingdom.

When I follow Jesus I have to be ready for life-change. The disciples were on the forward move with Jesus, the message of the Kingdom never changed, but the life lived was always growing.

To grow in Christ, literally “be in Christ” requires me to live life in God’s Kingdom. I’ve discovered that I won’t always be “comfortable”, but my life is richer and much more fulfilling.

Jesus, change is not very comfortable.
By choosing your Kingdom life I know that my life cannot stay the same.
A vote for change means allowing you to do with me what you will.
As uncertain as it is, I choose life in your Kingdom.
Amen.

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