I find it interesting most people resist change at every level. The irony is change was ordained by God. From conception to death, we are in a constant state of change.
I have long considered myself a proponent of change and I have always been aware of the need to change. This has allowed me to see the areas where organizational, structural, and individual change are necessary.
Generally, it has been obvious when change is needed. Yet, it has not always been obvious when I need to change.
It is interesting I cannot only miss the need for “changing me”. I can resist it. I do not think I am alone when it comes to this. Though most of us are aware of areas where we could use improvement, we tend to think we are okay the way we are.
Interestingly, we are not always so gracious when it comes to others. The need for change in those we know, and encounter is evident and, in some cases, urgent from our perspective.
Why is this? Why do we so easily see the change needed in others, but not in ourselves?
Perhaps it is because we see ourselves through a lens that allows for our faults and shortcomings, while not doing so for other people.
If this is true, “changing me” is where we need to start. Simply because that is what we can control.
Having changed a lot in my life, and understanding there is still a lot more change needed has helped me become focused on self-improvement instead of being satisfied with who and how I am. This gives me an opportunity to look at my life with my eyes wide open and not through rose colored glasses.
The willingness to be focused on changing others is usually done in comparison to how I see myself. This is a very dangerous place to be, because if we are the standard, we are most definitely setting the bar too low.
What can we do to overcome this tendency? Perhaps we start by asking ourselves if we are the best we can be? Or, if there is room for improvement? Honest answers to these questions will point to the reality, change is not only needed in our life, but it is critical.
The truth is, “changing me”, is not possible if I am the model, I believe others should aspire to be. This attitude points to arrogance and narcissism. These character flaws are very real and all of us are capable of both.
To avoid this type of thinking, we must find another to emulate, one that not only inspires us to change but has left us a model to follow.
That someone is Jesus Christ. His is the standard we should model. His life is an example of humility, servanthood, and leadership. The best way we can change ourselves is to look to Him as the bar we strive to reach.
When we do, we will no longer fear change or see the need for change to take place in those around us. We will see the need for changing ourselves.
“Changing me”, to reflect Him is when I will become all I was created to be.
The question is do we see the need to change enough to look inward, instead of outward? I don’t know if this is possible, but I do know it is the only way truly “changing me” will ever take place!
Ephesians 4:22-24, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
