Never Changing

Doesn’t it sometimes seem that the only consistent thing we have in the world is change?  Things are always shifting, getting new flavor, realigning position... generally disrupting the everyday “normalness” of our lives.  I once read that the only person who likes change is a baby with a dirty diaper.

  Change is good in some cases.  It helps us grow and stretch, forces us to see life differently, and allows us to not get too comfortable.  Embracing change helps us to navigate life’s curves better... and if we stay out in front of it... can actually be a blessing rather than a perceived curse.  

But what about our spiritual lives?

What about change when it comes to God?

-  Can I please Him one day and disappoint Him the next (even though I’m doing the exact same thing?)

• Does He still get fired up about the things I read about in the Old Testament?
• Will He love me more if I obey Him?
• Will He get mad at me if I don’t?
• Is the same God who sent the rainbow... the same God who sends them today?
• Does God get mood swings like I do?
• Can something make God weaker?

If you’ve ever asked a question like these... you aren’t alone.  If you’ve ever wondered about God in this way... I have good news for you.

God does NOT change.  His is divinely consistent.  

“I am the Lord, and I do not change.”  Malachi 3:6a

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8

“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”  James 1:17

God’s plan does not change.  

“But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
    his intentions can never be shaken.”  Psalm 33:11

He made the world intentionally... and He created you with a consistent purpose.  What happens to you may look different day to day... but what He wants to do through you is the same as when you were born.   Just know... if people have hurt you in the past... if you’ve made bad decisions... if you feel as though you are useless to God... You aren’t.  You were made for a reason and there was no mistake in your blueprint.  You are part of His unchanging and perfect plan for an imperfect world.  

God’s ways do not change

“God’s way is perfect.
    All the Lord’s promises prove true.
    He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”  Psalm 18:30

Every single promise in scripture is as true for you today as when it was written.  

God promises:

He wants what’s best for you (Jeremiah 29:11)

He will give you rest when you are weary (Matthew 11:28-29)

He will strengthen you when you hurt (Isaiah 40:29-31)

He will give you what you need (Philippians 4:19)

He will always love you (Romans 8:37-39)

He will give you peace (Proverbs 1:33)

He wants you to spend eternity with Him. (Romans 6:23)

These promises from God will never change... and their consistency should bring us joy that the world can never take away.  

God’s commitment never changes

He is committed to you.  Unflinchingly and unapologetically consistent in His dedication to your growth and protection.  

He is committed to your forever.  If you have trusted Christ as Lord... your eternity is secure.  That will never change and it can’t be taken from you.  

He is committed to your growth... He is much more concerned about your character than your comfort... so much in fact that He allows challenging things to happen to you so that you can develop perseverance and stronger faith as a result.  

A lot is going to happen to you today.  Unexpected things.  Other people’s decisions will alter your trajectory and cause you to wonder and worry.  Instead... choose to worship.  Draw closer to God who never varies... who never waivers... who never gets caught by surprise or has no plan.   No matter what changes may come... you can count on His consistency.

A New Way to Type

What do the letters QWERTYUIOP mean?  They are the letters on the top row of most modern keyboards... and why they exist might surprise you.  When the typewriter was first invented, the keys were in alphabetical order.  Typists could write letters quickly and efficiently.  They were so fast, in fact, that the typewriter keys were sticking together and jamming. In an attempt to remedy the problem, it was decided to place the keys in uncomfortable and challenging positions.  The result?  Slower typing and fewer stuck keys.  

The problem with this theory is that people figured out how to quickly type with the new configuration.  Yet, I find it interesting that the keyboard never changed back.  What we type on today is an old format and is less effective than it could be.  If we’re not careful, we’ll do the same things in our own lives.  We will create rules for ourselves that may work for a season... but before long we get stuck doing things a certain way when better methods come along.  That’s why it’s so important to follow God’s guidelines for our lives rather than creating our own.  His ways are consistent, have held up to the test of time, and are designed with our well-being in mind.  Today, if you find yourself doing things the old way... maybe it’s time to do things God’s way.  It may not be a simple transition, but it will be one that you will never regret. 

Doing Our Best

Baseball great Joe DiMaggio was a very unique player.   He just never quit.  When asked why he continually gave it all he had (even when the game was out of reach)... DiMaggio smiled and said “"There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first or last time, I owe him my best."

So many times we don’t try to be great because we can get away with good.  We ease up, slack off, pull back, or slow down.  Not because we can’t do it... but because we don’t have to.  We settle for a “C” when our potential is an “A”.... If you’ve ever felt like letting the feeling of “good enough” take over... remember today’s verse:

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”  Colossians 3:23

Joe DiMaggio worked hard consistently because of his inner drive.. his work ethic... and his unwillingness to settle.  He worked for Yankee manager Joe McCarthy.  If you are a Christ-follower... you should work hard, be driven, have a high work ethic, and push the envelope too... but not because you work for a demanding manager.  You work for God.  

Whatever you do... you work for God.  Plumber to pizza maker to politician.... Your boss came to Earth over 2000 years ago and died so that you could be a world-changer.  Defeat the feeling of “good-enough”... push yourself to try harder, work with joy, and represent Christ in everything you do.   Jesus gave all He had.  He held nothing back.  

Why shouldn’t we do the same... all day... everyday.