Why is change so difficult?

Change is difficult for people in most walks of life as well as for companies, governments and organizations such as nonprofits and churches.

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The term homeostasis is most often used as a physiological term in medicine and psychology. This term helps people understand that the human body is designed to remain stable despite changes in external conditions. The term is also used in the psychology of individuals, business and organizations to define internal, structural response to external changes.

Diagnosing the condition

One online medical dictionary defines homeostasis as, “The ability or tendency of an organism or cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes.” It is also defined as “any analogous maintenance of stability or equilibrium, as within a social group.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary says that homeostasis is “a relatively stable state of equilibrium or a tendency toward such a state between the different but interdependent elements or groups of elements of an organism, population, or group.” The principle behind homeostasis can most briefly be described as “the constant state of the internal environment.”

Perhaps these definitions will help the reader understand why change is so difficult for people and organizations. Homeostasis is the control of the internal environment of an organism allowing greater independence from external conditions. In his book, Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue (1985, Guilford Press), Dr. Edwin H. Friedman writes that “Homeostasis is the tendency of any set of relationships to strive perpetually, in a self-corrective way, to preserve the organizing principles of its existence.” For “example: A thermostat is designed to regulate the internal climate of a house, turning machinery on and off in order to maintain a set temperature.”

Keeping this in mind, homeostasis often disconnects a person or organization from the realities of what is going on in the wider context or outside environment. A church, for example, that rigidly holds to traditions and man-made doctrines, (Matthew 15:9; Ephesians 4:14; I Timothy 1:3, 4:1), may experience isolation from what the Holy Spirit is doing in places outside the walls of the church.

Adjusting to change

As the dynamics of change are examined in this article, it should be considered that the status quo is more natural for people than change is. The maintenance of “things as usual” is often more comfortable than change because it requires less personal adjustment. Human beings are generally more comfortable with the “predictable” than with change because there is less risk involved and people like to know what to expect.

Change is also difficult for many people because it requires work. There is an investment that must be made before change happens; creativity, brain power, emotional energy, physical time, forethought, insight and risk. This is what it costs to accept or initiate change.

Change is, however, an inevitable part of growth. This is true particularly when it comes to the development of a healthy church or church organization.


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A process examined

This author heard a great story some years back at a Willow Creek Summit from a book written by Historian Elting E. Morison, founder of MIT's Program in Science, Technology and Society. In his book Men, Machines, and Modern Times, (1968, MIT Press), Morison writes about the relationship of history, technology, change and adaptation to change. The principle here is very relevant for our day, when change comes at us like water erupting from a hydrant.

From an essay in the book "Gunfire at Sea: A Case Study of Innovation,” Morison tells the story of a "time and motion" efficiency analysis of a British field artillery piece done during World War II. This particular weapon was used in World War I, and actually dated back to the Boer War. But due to the short supply of armaments, was put back into action. Originally pulled by horses, these guns were now hitched to trucks, and were to be used as mobile coastal defense guns. It was felt that the rate of fire from these guns could be increased.

Experts were called in to study the gun and gun crews, and to make suggestions as to how to raise the rate of fire from these particular field pieces, or at least to decrease the required number of people to do it. 
The experts watched the carefully orchestrated movements of the gun crews in action, in their loading, aiming and firing routines. The process had been carefully choreographed over time for maximum efficiency and speed.

A puzzling process

But the experts were puzzled by certain actions of the five man teams manning the guns. They noticed that moments before the firing, two members of the gun crew ceased all activity and came to attention, one on each side of the gun, shortly before and after the gun fired. Shortly after the gun was fired, these two stepped back in to help. This movement made no sense. Puzzled, the analysts began looking for an answer. The whole loading and firing process was carefully scripted, extremely orchestrated, right down to individual movements and roles. There had to be a reason why two of the soldiers just stood there part of the time. Nobody seemed to know why; they just all agreed that it had to be done that way. It was the way they were taught, and that was the way it was done. Period.

They asked the old artillery colonel about the firing procedure. The veteran answered, "Well, those two are holding the horses."

"What horses?"

"Why, the ones that used to haul the guns. If you didn't hold the horses steady when the gun fired, the horses would bolt." There were no horses present. The guns were pulled by vehicles. But the old pattern was so reinforced, that change was not allowed.

Sometimes, change is necessary. The question should be asked, what in our lives needs to change? Are you "holding the horses" or are you open to positive change? Change seems to make many people uncomfortable. But sometimes positive change is necessary, even essential. Positive change is good for life in general, or perhaps one’s job, home or church.

Learning from Joshua

Morison’s story brings to mind the powerful time of transition in the life of God’s people found in Joshua 3:1-5.  Joshua, the new leader of Israel following the death of Moses, spoke of what should take place when the nation of Israel entered the land of Caanan. Joshua said, "For you have not passed this way before." And they hadn't gone that way before. It was a new day in a new land. They didn't know what to expect. And neither do most people know what will happen in 2010 or beyond.

The reader of this article does not know what the next few years will bring, because “we have not passed this way before.” Joshua said in Joshua 3:3, "When you see the ark move, go after it." Joshua was saying that change was about to happen. Go after it. Get with it.

Direction often changes when the kingdom of God advances. It seems that the easiest thing to do for anyone is to “remain the same” because it requires less work. However, if we see the ark move (analogous to the presence of God), we need to “go after it.” When God promised Moses that His presence would accompany Him and he would be at rest, Moses responded to God, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here,” (Exodus 33:16). 


Changes in relationships

Relationships also change when the kingdom of God advances. The Bible reflects a change in the relationships Jesus had with His mother and brothers in Matthew 12:47-49. “Someone said to Him, ‘Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.’ But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, ‘Behold My mother and My brothers!’”

As people grow chronologically, emotionally and spiritually, their relationships change by virtue of position, need and responsibility. Jesus was no longer a boy, he had grown chronologically, (Luke 2:52). He was no longer a normal man (normal in appearance anyway) working his carpentry trade. He was the Son of God, affirmed by the Spirit and recognized by the voice of God while being baptized in the Jordan River, (Matthew 3:17). He no longer was responsible for his earthly family only, He was now embarking on a three year journey to carry away disease and to become sin so He could forgive the world’s sin on the cross, (II Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4).

His relationships had to change, and it started with His most intimate of earthly relationships, His mother and brothers. Jesus said in no uncertain terms, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life,” (Matthew 19:29; also see Luke 14:26). Spiritual progress necessitates change.

Geography often changes when the Kingdom of God advances. An active, growing church, for example, is a church that seeks first God’s kingdom, then relies on God to provide the details, (Matthew 6:33). The New Testament is full of examples of Jesus and His disciples traveling from one place to another. When a scribe made a verbal commitment to follow Him, “Jesus said to him, ‘The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head,’" (Matthew 18:20, also see vss. 19, 22, 23). The Apostle Paul’s beginnings in Christ were laden with geographical moves. He spend years in Tarsus and Arabia growing in his faith and learning God’s ways before his ministry was solidified and affirmed by the church in Jerusalem, (Galatians 1:16-18).

Exercising biblical leadership

Because change isn’t a natural process, in Christianity, anyway, it takes biblical leadership to guide people through change. In the book of Romans, chapter 12, the Bible specifically defines one facet of leadership by saying, “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly…” (v. 6), (8) “…he who leads, with diligence…” The word diligence in the Greek language is spoudē. It means “with haste,” or “earnestness in accomplishing or promoting.”

Both Moses and Joshua met these qualities. In Joshua’s case, however, it was required because he was taking over the leadership role from a man who had been the visionary for close to 40 years. The New Testament leaders like Jesus, Peter, Paul and Barnabas, all led with diligence as they sought to do the will of their Father like they witnessed in Jesus. The changes of the First Century were astronomical. The world had witnessed the arrival of the Messiah. The changes were subtle to the outside world at first, but eventually, the message of Jesus Christ was spread throughout Europe and eventually across the oceans to the New World.

Living and dying

Fighting change often brings about isolation and isolation leads to practices that become obsolete. Once an organization or church becomes obsolete in its practices, it stagnates, declines and eventually dies. Homeostasis has an inherent self-survival tendency. The foundations of Christianity are found not in obsolete religious practices, but in a living God whose Word is living and active, (Hebrews 4:12).

The Christian church is founded in the scriptural principle of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. The cornerstone is the stone that determines the solidarity of the foundation and ultimately whether the walls are square and solid. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,” (Ephesians 2:19-21).

Although Jesus Christ never changes, (Hebrews 13:8), he is also the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega, (Revelation 1:8). He doesn’t change, but Christians must accept change as a part of growing in Christ. Ephesians 4:15 says, “But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.” Without change, there is no growth. 2 Peter 3:18 tells us: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” As people, churches and organizations grow in Christ, they change in keeping with the dynamics of what the Holy Spirit is doing beyond the walls.

Recognize stagnant tendencies

True leaders in the Body of Christ ought to “lead with diligence.” Leaders should also learn to recognize stagnant tendencies. Look for declines in growth and forge ahead with new and dynamic methods to reach the lost, encouraged the broken hearted and equip the Christian for service (Ephesians 4:11-13). 

The Bible encourages change. Ephesians 2:21 says, “In whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.” The process of Christian growth requires change. A common error for Christian leaders is to protect tradition as if they were protecting fundamental Biblical doctrine, (I Timothy 6:3; II Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9, 2:7, 10). Some leaders tend to confuse method with doctrine and end up fighting to keep personal, local and antiquated rituals and methods alive when indeed changing times require changes in approach. The fundamental message of the gospel obviously must remain the same changing only in the sense of transforming and growing as the hearer’s understanding and application of Scripture become clearer and more mature.

Christians must ask themselves, “Am I holding the horses?” Perhaps someone is responding to tradition or historical expectations that play no real effective part in the advancing of the kingdom of God. How would I know if I’m holding the horses? Remember, there were no horses. Horses were used as far back as the Boer War when the British fought the Dutch in 1899.  In World War II, the guns were pulled with trucks. Are we using 21st Century methods to spread the gospel, or are we going through meaningless rituals that were used a Century or two ago.

Look for life

How can I tell if I’m holding the horses? Here are a few things to look for. See if there is life in what you are doing, look for actual growth, see if there is joy in what you are doing, and then, finally, is what you are doing producing fruit. The Bible says that Christians should "Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance,” (Matthew 3:8). Christians will be known by their fruit, (Matthew 7:20). In the end, Christians will be held accountable for what they are doing and how efficiently they are functioning with the responsibilities they have been given, (Matthew 13:23).

This is a challenge to Christians to accept the responsibility to change for the sake of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in an efficient, effective and productive manner.

Joseph B. Christopherson is executive director of El Paso Baptist Association.


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