A magazine issue on change seems appropriate in our rapidly changing culture. Even our political parties seem to be going through changes that few experts predicted a year ago.
I’m probably not the right guy to write about change, however. I took a test for work, and the results stated my personality type “does not like change” but prefers a “stable and predictable environment.”
Thankfully, this issue’s other authors are experts on change. One is my boss, a member of the Millennial Generation who notes that his generation is known for change.
As a member of Generation X (known for apathy), I must admit that I have trouble keeping up with some societal changes, such as fashion trends. Yesterday, I selected my first new pair of eyeglasses in eight years. I chose plastic frames to replace my out-of-style wire frames. That means plastic frames likely will be on the fashion “don’t” list by next year.
Of course, my eyewear change really wasn’t about fashion. I had noticed that I could barely read the song lyrics on my church’s screens. To paraphrase a Bob Dylan song, “My eyes, they are a-changin’.”
In a passage echoed in another 1960s song (“Turn! Turn! Turn!” by the Byrds), Ecclesiastes 3:1 reveals that change is necessary: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
A search for a more contemporary song reference led me to “Change” by country-turned-pop star Taylor Swift, who sings of “this revolution, the time will come for us to finally win, and we’ll sing hallelujah.”
I’m not clear what change Swift is referencing. Perhaps she’s singing about her own changing music styles over the years.
In another verse I’m not sure I completely understand, the Apostle Paul writes: “We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51).
When that change comes, I believe we’ll all be singing hallelujah too.
More in This Issue
- Feature: Change, Change and More Change
- Editorial: Christ, the Cross and Change
- Action: How Will You Respond to Change When It Comes?
- Discipleship: The Struggle in Change
- Discipleship: Living Free Through Change
- Discipleship: I Would Not Change This
- Discipleship: Change Takes Time, Time Makes Change
- News: African Heritage Network Focuses on Health
- News: Casa de Oracion Prepares Church Leaders
