Sometimes it is difficult being different. What I mean is that when you think differently than other people, you just might run into a little resistance from people who are a little resistant to your desire to change. However, I believe that God desires us to change.
In the Book of Matthew Jesus says that we must change, or as The Message puts it we must “return to square one and start over” to become like little children. So Jesus shares this idea that we are not fine staying the way we are in our “mature” mindsets. Now hear me when I say this…. I am not trying to say that maturity is bad. What I am trying to say is that when we think that we are mature, we need to evaluate our hearts and be willing to change ourselves and our attitudes.
A little bit later, Jesus tells the Parable of the Two Sons. In this story Jesus talks about the one brother that first refused to work, but then changed his mind. God is pleased when we change our minds and our direction for the better. Change is a good thing. Since we are born in sin, we must change if we want to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
However, when resistance to change is encountered, my advice involves two things…
Respect the authority over you. Under no circumstances is it okay to come out from under those in authority over you. It is okay to express your feelings and concerns, but this must be handled respectfully and honorably. The authority over you is a protection over you, and it is important to not step out of that.
Prove it to them. Within your limitations, you should do everything that you can to prove to your leadership that the change needs to be done. You need to get results. Nothing speaks louder than results. You should also do your homework, and gather other supporting information that supports your beliefs.
Change is a good thing, but some people do take a little longer to convince. Don’t get frustrated, get motivated and make your case. But above all, whatever you do, do it with the utmost of respect for the leadership over you.