A few thoughts on change...

John Adams writing on the possibility of American Independence said...

"All great changes are irksome to the human mind, especially those which are attended with great dangers and uncertain effects. No man living can foresee the consequences of such a measure." (John Adams, David McCullough p. 105)

None of us can foresee the consequences of change and that to me is what makes it exciting.

In the move based on the life of the Irish revolutionary, Michael Collins, we find Collins speaking to his best friend about the future leader of Ireland, Eamon De Valera.

"He's scared Harry. We might achieve that Republic he wants to talk to the world about."

Change can be frightening and unsettling so we often end up talking a lot about it without ever embracing it and moving into it.

Of course change is a sign of life and vitality, as GK Chesterton notes...

"A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it."

Tragically many churches are dying and simply floating down the stream thinking that movement is a sign of life, but its not. Life in the church is characterized, not by style of worship, volume of music or zeal of the preacher but rather by the presence of the risen Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit working transformation in the life of God's people.

I'm fascinated by change and how people respond/react to it.