Why do we resist change? (1)

When Christopher Columbus returned to Spain, he was considered a national hero and credited with discovering new lands. But do you think people changed their minds about the earth being round? Not at all – they went right on believing the earth was flat. It was not until that generation passed on and the next one took their place that people realized the earth was round, just as Columbus had claimed. That’s how long it took for people to change their minds – an entire generation! We all resist change. Dr. John Maxwell wrote, “For many years, I thought leaders liked change and everyone else didn’t. As a visionary leader, I always felt that I was drawing reluctant followers into the future. But I finally realized that leaders don’t like change any more than followers do – unless, of course, it’s their idea!” Let’s be honest; change is hard for everyone. Novelist Mark Twain said, “The only person who likes change is a wet baby.” Truly, change is one of the greatest obstacles you will ever face. Why is that? After all, doesn’t progress demand change? And doesn’t growth too? We can’t move forward and stay in the same place. So for the next few days, we’re going to talk about why we resist change so much. Acknowledging his own stubborn nature and his fear of change, on four different occasions David prayed, “Turn us again, O God.” That’s like praying, “Lord, I need to change, but I’m afraid to change, so make me willing to change.” And that’s a prayer God will answer for you, so start praying it today.