We’ve all heard the moniker: people hate change. In fact we may have said it or even used it to justify doing or not doing any particular thing. But as I work with students I notice they seem to really embrace change… on all sorts of levels. Change in music, change in technology, change in hair color…. They seem to love it. Enough to the point that it really makes one think: Isa that old saying true anymore? Do people now (at least young people) actually like change?
I don’t think so. At least, it’s not that simple. Just take Facebook for instance. Every time they change their site the whole world lights up with hatred. When American Idol or The Office changes their cast, everyone has an opinion on why the new choice is horrible. So at least at some level traditional wisdom holds true. People do still seem to hate change. But where does that leave us? Why the contradiction? Is this a new issue?
I’d like to propose that it is NOT a new issue. I think the apparent contradiction has always existed. Some change is embraced and held high. Other change is loathed and bemoaned. What’s the difference? I think it’s pretty simple. It all depends on who is in control of the change. When YOU are in control of the change, you love it. When you’re not, you hate it. When you switch to the latest MAC because you’ve been convinced the platform is better and you made the decision, you love it. When your work forces that same change on you because THEY think it’s best and you haven’t had a chance to figure out if you agree or not, guess what…. you hate it. It’s all about who controls the change.
SO if that’s true, what lessons can we learn? I’ve got at least three to mention here:
- If you’ve been given the responsibility/privilege to start changing some stuff, try to get buy in from the underlings.
When you’re the leader, the privilege to start making changes falls to you. And perhaps you’ve been given that position because change really needs to happen. When you’re in that position though, you have the difficult task of obtaining buy in. Think about it. If you try to change the youth program at your church without getting buy in from deacons/pastors, parents, and students, you’re fixing for war. It may very well need to be changed, but taking the time to convince others and get their agreement and approval really goes a long way toward eliminating hatred when you make the change. For sure, sometimes you have to do what you know is right no matter what. But it always helps to at least attempt to get buy in. - Take the time to think through why you’re changing, what you’re changing and if it is really strategic.
Some people seemingly make changes just because they think the act of change is progress. When you change things constantly, it’s pretty easy to feel like you’re moving forward when you’re not. Changing your task list management software, changing your bible study curriculum, changing your daily devotions tool…. It all makes you feel good, but are you accomplishing anything? Change should be based on principle and philosophy. Take the time to think it through before you change. - When others seem in control of your change and it’s frustrating you, remember the One who is actually in control and orchestrates the outcomes.
Bottom line is we know our God is completely in control. We know that He is the One who directs a king’s heart wherever he wants (Proverbs 21:1). It’s easy to get pretty bent when the senior pastor or your supervisor at work or your parents or anyone else makes changes you don’t agree with. But remember, God will use even wrong decisions to continue to mold you and shape you into the image of His Son. He truly is in control. If your leadership is making changes that are unbiblical or contrary to your life’s calling, maybe you need to consider making a change yourself. But honestly, 90% of the time that’s not the stuff we get bent about. So relax, do your job as unto the Lord and trust God will direct the heart of the leader in the way that He wishes.
