By nature we are afraid of change—we love to be in our comfort zone. This is understandable because we have already configured our lives based on our present situation. In addition, we have an innate fear of the unknown. Change brings uncertainty and risks.

However, whether we like it or not, change will happen (e.g. we get old!). Indeed it is true that nothing is constant except change. What matters is how we respond to change. There are at least three ways by which we can react to change:

• By resisting and protesting against change (They can’t do this to me!).
• By sticking to the old ways (This is where I was born and this is where I will die).
• By embracing change and adjusting to it (How can I make the best out of the new situation?).

The first approach dissipates our energy by overanalyzing and trying to fight change. It can be destructive as we tend to blame others, even God (why me?). The second approach is self-defeating (remember what happened to secretaries whose main skill was using the manual typewriter!). It cripples a person’s ability to serve God and others. Worst it could lead to eternal death if one persists in embracing a wrong way of salvation.

In contrast, the third approach focuses our energy on how to take advantage of the new situation. It is constructive and leads to personal growth. Ultimately, the church reaps the benefits as its members attain a higher level of service.

We must always remember that the church is a catalyst of change. We want to convert people to Christ and that implies massive change. Repentance is basically a change of heart and mind. We challenge Christians to grow in the faith, and that involves change. We in fact look forward to a radical change:

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. (1Corinthians 15:51-52)