But change is also necessary, and it is usually irresistible. Our lives today are the products of radical changes from what was once the norm. Yet each one of these things was resisted as frivolous and unnecessary when it was first introduced. Eventually they were all accepted. Now they are normal parts of everyday life and we have grown in many ways as a result.
Growth is usually the result of making a choice to change rather than being forced to change.
We grow as individuals, as communities, and as churches when we recognize that change is going to occur whether we want it to or not. We are most successful when we choose how to engage change and make it our own, rather than sitting back and accepting the consequences of what change does to us. Positive growth is most likely to occur when we are realistic about facing the challenges of change, and then forging ahead with determination and intention, using the change in our favor. Growth does not always occur the same way for everyone, but positive growth is always preceded by intentional and methodical efforts to choose the way we change. Each of us is responsible as individuals for bringing about positive growth in our selves and our churches.