The False Assumption That Nothing Will Change

Somehow, in our human history, we have developed something of a notion in life that things won't change. So many times, when changes happen, we are caught off guard, even surprised, as if things were always going to stay the same. Maybe it's wishful thinking, or hope that change will not happen. Or just holding onto a good feeling. Or fear of what future change might bring. But change is inevitable. 

Whether thinking or wishing that nothing would change, reality couldn't be more different! Everything is always going to change. Life is working in the context of change. You can fight change - some might say that “conservatives” do this, whereas “progressives” precipitate change. That can be argued elsewhere at another time. You can help create change. You can just sit and watch as change happens. But change is going to happen, of this you can be sure.

If we accept that there will be change all around us, we can be more mentally prepared for it. In fact, we can and should help be part of the change when we are able. 

There can be excitement about change, but also as I said earlier, fear of change. I believe some fear of change can help motivate us to work at bringing about the change(s) that we want. If things are going to change - and they are - then we might as well put some effort in and make those changes happen that we want to happen!

We can find some wisdom concerning change in the “serenity prayer” that is used in AA (Alcoholics Anonymous): 

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

This prayer presumes several things, though. It assumes that we believe in God in the first place, and if so, that we want serenity - or we wouldn't be asking for it. Do we know what it is that we “cannot change,” or that we can? And do we have what it takes to receive and use the “wisdom to know the difference” if we are so fortunate that God gives it to us? 

I am reminded of an alternative to the “serenity” prayer, in which the one praying is emphasizing the serious need for change to happen, over and above the peace that one would like to enjoy while waiting for things to change and be “better.” It goes something like this.

God grant me the awareness of what I must change, the courage and strength to do whatever it takes to make these changes, and the ferocious tenacity that it will take to overcome serenity!

All too often, we humans get lazy, complacent, or apathetic. As noted earlier, things ARE going to change. Will we just sit back and let them change around us, or be a part of that change that can very much affect history, whether for many or even just our own little circle?

There is indeed a time when we need to be patient, an incredible virtue in life. The Bible speaks to both sides of this equation, the time to act and a time to wait, as in waiting on the Lord, adjusting our schedule to God's timing. This is where wisdom comes into play. When it is time to act, the courage must rise, to overcome the fear that can incapacitate us as its worst. 

Right now in our country, there are many changes happening. Socially and politically, there are many forces at work pulling and pushing our population in two main opposing directions. Both sides believe they are right, for many reasons. Unfortunately, the intensity of the opposing forces is working to splinter and at its worst perhaps even destroy our society and culture. There are problems we have as a country, not the least of which is our national debt. Even if one side or the other were to “win” and take over the country, they will be forced to rectify the debt problem somehow. The same is true of other major problems in our country and the world. No matter who wins the social-cultural battle, the problems are going to need solutions. 

Concerning the debt problem, as we have seen for decades now, it keeps getting worse and worse. The recognized “leaders” of our country have been negligent and even criminal in the managing of our nation's financial resources. At worst, there is greed, selfishness, and thievery going on that are potentially destroying our country. 

Hopefully, some of the drastic changes being done by the current Trump administration will help alleviate future changes that could be much more painful. When the full consequences of $36 Trillion of debt bears down on our country, it is absolutely unknown what that might look like, but my guess is that it would not be pretty - and it is getting worse each day. 

God bless President Trump and his team to withstand the storms of illegitimate opposition, and do what is right for our nation and the world. And God help all sides work together for the benefit of our country and the world!