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Human nature causes most of us to resist change in one form or another. We tend to settle into comfort zones surrounding our life choices and lifestyles, and many even declare that they are simply “set in their ways.” We love our routines and find stability in them as we navigate the chaos that accompanies living in today’s world. But Jesus has a very different approach to change.

At the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus declared in Mark 1:15 “The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand,” calling people to repent and believe the gospel. That statement launched the most radical, world-changing ministry in history. With those words, Jesus began to change the world.

The dictionary defines change as to alter, transform, modify, switch, exchange, or break. Jesus immediately called His disciples, one by one, to follow Him—to literally change everything about their lives and embark on a journey to spread the gospel and share the message of salvation, bringing hope, healing, and freedom. That could not have been easy for any of those men. Paul described making big changes in our lives in his letter to the Hebrews, in chapter 12, verse 11 (AMP):  “For the time being, no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].” This reminds us that discipline and change are often uncomfortable at first, but when we allow God to work in us, they ultimately produce righteousness and peace.

As Christians today, we must endeavor to embrace change in our daily walk with God. As uncomfortable and intimidating as that can feel to our flesh, we can always depend on one unchanging truth: Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever as stated in Hebrews 13:8. God Himself declares that He does not change in Malachi 3:6. That is great news. We can follow the leading of the Holy Spirit through many seasons and changes in our lives because He remains faithful and consistent throughout them all.

Paul encouraged us in Romans 12:2 not to copy the patterns and customs of this world, but to allow God to transform us by renewing our minds. As we do, we learn to understand His will for our lives—what is good, pleasing, and perfect. This ongoing renewal happens as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and as we continually fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word.

Repentance is an essential part of embracing change. To repent means to turn away from sin. True repentance aligns our hearts with God’s heart. It allows us to let go of oppressive, ungodly behaviors and thought patterns from the past and to receive the grace and mercy that only God can give. Repentance clears away old patterns that keep us from growing in the kingdom and gives us the courage to leave them behind. This is clearly stated by Luke in Acts 3:19:  “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” 

During Jesus’ three-year ministry on earth, the disciples experienced constant change. There were many moments when His decisions and direction left them confused or even afraid, yet they continually yielded to Him. Each time, their needs were met, and they were protected as they placed their trust in Him. In the same way, the changes God calls us to embrace may feel uncomfortable at first, but when we remain in His will, we discover that the harvest is plentiful and His blessings abound.

Change is meant to initiate growth and to break old ways and habits that have become stale or unproductive. It keeps us aligned with God’s will and His Word. So, with God by our side, let us embrace the changes He desires to make in our lives, allowing Him to unlock our full potential and the gifts He has placed within us.