Changing Incrementally
Reflection
With the temperate weather, I recently noticed hyacinth blossoms, red flowers on nearby bushes, and new patches of green grass peaking out in hopes that spring has come to stay. Just a week ago, the grass was all brown, the bushes empty, and the bed only had stalks of green in preparation for blossoms. In seven days, the landscape looks different. I know enough to realize that the bush didn’t suddenly sprout red flowers, but it is tempting to view these seasonal changes as sudden - one moment nothing is present and the next it is. I think it is tempting to expect our lives to be as dramatic as nature appears . . . that the change we desire will come forth rapidly.
Application
At work, I have been known to say that a ship turns slowly to point out that change occurs a bit at a time, even if the goal is mighty and noteworthy. Craig Groeschel talks about the impact of 1% shifts. If you move an item 1% to the left or the right, it is headed in a new direction and will end up in a new destination. Likewise, our faith improves and changes incrementally, by small shifts that don’t feel glamorous or newsworthy, and certainly don’t make us feel more faithful. But God is all about our perseverance. Slow growth is still growth. It may be imperceptible at first but will eventually impact our faith.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” - 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV
Building new habits in the faith like daily time in the Word, memorizing Scripture, learning to pause to pray before making decisions begin with the desire for change, and come to fruition in a moment’s decision to make a 1% change. Too often we seek to make sweeping proclamations about what we will do and miss that it is the steadfast work in small increments that brings about change.
Closing/conclusion
The bush didn’t go from leafy branches to flowers in an instant. Instead, under the surface, unseen by my eyes, shifts began because of warmer weather. I don’t know what shift you may need to make and how you want to reorient your walk with the Lord, but be encouraged that the outward evidence of a deeper walk with Christ does not happen overnight. Instead it is daily, consistent choices that lead to change, and then one day, you and even those around you, will see outward evidence of inward change.
Maryellen