I am struck that many of the assumptions, proclamations, and truisms associated with leadership, management, and organizational culture have no basis and are actually false. This is the case with the concept of change.  President Obama was elected President on the platform of promised change. Churches split over change. People assert that change is all around us and that change is inevitable.

In organizations we have extreme views on change. Balance is one of the most difficult skills to accomplish concerning a whole host of issues. This is also the case when it comes to the concept of “change.” I see two basic approaches to change in the world, and both of them do not necessarily reflect balance. One approach to change says that all change is bad. Change is equated with evil and is deemed inappropriate. The other approach which is on the other end of the spectrum views all change as good. Sometimes, the end result of this approach is change for the sake of change. I do not see either view as particularly helpful, logical, beneficial, or even biblical.

I think that the Amish epitomize the view that all change is bad. While the Amish are very devout and hardworking people, I do not necessarily find their lifestyle as particularly spiritual or conducive to biblical truth. It seems to be based in a works salvation and equates wholesomeness with godliness.

Let me spend the majority of time here debunking the idea that “change is necessary and all change is good.” This is a worldly philosophy and assertion. Believers in Christ should view change differently than the world. First of all, you should be aware that one of the attributes of God is that He is unchangeable or immutable. The Word of God never changes. The truths of God’s Word never change. God never changes. Christ never changes. Truth never changes. Doctrine never changes. There are lots of things that never change and should not change. Certain theologians are asserting that our view of God should change. To believe that He has all-knowledge and all-power and is everywhere present and unchangeable is somehow antiquated concepts.  I would say our view of God and His Holiness never change. God transcends time and culture.

Another common view regarding change asserts that if one is opposed to a certain idea or concept that is deemed better and more relevant that one is automatically opposed to change. This is an absolutely wrong and inappropriate argument. I would contend that the nature of the idea or concept determines ones attitude to change. Not all things must change or should change. A refusal to change might an example of “earnestly contending for the faith.”  Anything that diminishes God’s glory or diminishes our having a theocentric view of life that glorifies God must be avoided. The basics or the fundamentals of the faith never change: plenary, verbal inspiration of Scripture; virgin birth of Jesus Christ; vicarious, substitutionary death of Jesus Christ; veritable resurrection; and visible return of Jesus Christ. These are the non-negotiables of the Christian faith.

Techniques or methodology might change, but truth never changes. However, the practical must be rooted in truth and orthopraxy must proceed from orthodoxy.