These are serious times as they always have been really. Let me explain my thoughts. This morning when I got up I started my daily routine of Bible study, prayer, checking e-mail and reading the online news first thing. Even through our popular social global networks, we can find out how friends are doing in an instant. These networks bring the good and the bad, and they are widespread in popularity. So, I have decided to use them for not only fun avenues but also witnessing tools. I have had many opportunities to tell someone about Jesus and disciple others via chats, instant messaging and tweets. How interesting! We might as well use it more for the good and not let the bad take control.
Last night after my responsibilities with my family where completed for the day, I sat down once again at my computer to check the news. I clicked on a video clip of two of the Southern Baptist Convention's former conservative presidents carrying on a conversation about times past and it was almost as if they knew their days on earth were numbered. They are older in age now and they were reflecting. As I listened, I was in awe to some degree, because these two made a huge change for the good in our convention around the late 70s and early 80s with a return and strong desire for conservatism.
This morning I woke to think about other leaders that really have made a difference to stand strongly on Biblical truths and principles and to believe firmly in the One and Holy God. These leaders are older now and as I look around, I wonder who is going to take their place. Tears come to my eyes as I think of times past and see a generation about to enter into a new life.
And I do not notice many dynamic leaders like those today. Overall as a convention, I see a possible four on the brink of positive influence. Will it happen? Can a great influence take place that will change America and the world for Christ? I hope so. One of these leaders just recently announced publically that after being in the ministry for many years, he still has a strong passion for Christ and one personally shared with me the desire to make a difference. May we never lose our passion or strong desire! As I pray for this to happen, I want to be humble in my efforts to contribute to what I deem important—desiring personal and cooperate revival for the building efforts of a great commissioning movement.
With that, though, comes change. Having been a missionary now for over 11 years and lived in a country where change is inevitable and happens daily. I have discovered five steps that have helped me know how better to handle change: 1) Observe early, 2) Analyze wisely, 3) Act accordingly, 4) Adjust rapidly and 5) Evaluate always.
One needs to most often observe the process early. This means sometimes beforehand. That way we already “knew” the change was coming. This cannot always happen but it generally does when we stay alert. I do my best to analyze with wisdom through prayer. The next step is usually the difficult one for most people. That is to act accordingly. Some wait too late to act, thus causing personal and cooperate or organizational stress. The stress takes place because of procrastination. An optimist views the situation as an opportunity to make a positive move and help with the change. Procrastinators do the opposite. They slow the process down and possibly prevent a great awakening. We must keep in mind step number two is analyzing wisely. Not all change is good. But change happens. It is how we move with it and influence it that makes the difference for the ultimate good. Pray for wisdom.
The fourth step is to adjust rapidly. If I do not, I might get hurt. Look at the meaning of the word hurt however you choose. If a person does not move quickly, the outcome, though, usually is painful, figuratively and sometimes literally speaking. That is what leads us to step number five—evaluate always. One has to be prepared, because generally the cycle repeats and turns. If we are constantly evaluating a situation, nothing will take us by surprise, thus the stress level for stage three will be low. Stay on top of matters. Be in control. Pray for wisdom and trust in Him to help you see the matter clearly.
Having explained my thoughts, I see a new moment in history on the horizon. Change is coming. How will we handle it? What part will we play? How will we lead and follow? And who will step up to be that dynamic influence? I am praying for you and for me to be those great men and women of influence for today.
Maybe I am a little bolder than I used to be. Maybe the experiences that I have been through have caused me to think quite deeper than just on the surface. When you are in a new position or a new environment, it is very important how you react. Since I have made the comparison in my missionary life before about being in a spiritual battle similar to that of a military one, I have learned that you come to new territory prepared and with foresight. You cannot come to a battle and then try to figure everything out; you have to be ready to move. I think the same goes for how one tolerates change. Come prepared to overtake it.
Regardless, it is time to have a serious talk and solve the world’s problems.
-The Chosen Path, L.Burch
