It seems that many people are frightened by new ideas. Should we rather be frightened when people keep suggesting the same old ones? Several years ago Ralph Neighbour wrote a book entitled, The Seven Last Words of the Church. As you can guess, those words are, “We never tried it that way before.”Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19)
God will not be put into a box. Just because He acted one way in the past does not mean that He will act the same way in the future – our God does not fit in a box! We should not however, jettison everything from the past,
Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, (Isaiah 46:9)
God may work in a new and fresh way but He is the great, unchanging “I am”,
For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6)
What changes does want to make in your life? Change is a fact of life, Heraclitus wisely observed, “The only constant is change.” Jack Welch lived by the motto that you must “Change before you have to.”
What changes does want to make in your church? Mark Twain famously quipped, “Sacred cows make the best hamburger.” I am grateful that I am part of our church that is open for God to do “something new” – let’s trust Him for great and mighty things – Jeremiah 33:3.
Rick HigginsAssociate Pastor – Discipleship. The Church at LifePark
Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University
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