“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no-one thinks of changing himself.” Said the famous Russian author, Leo Tolstoi.
It is our almost instinctive reaction when confronted with bad situations, bad news, or bad people. THINGS need to change, or THEY need to change, other people. Very seldom, or rather never, would we get excited about the option of changing our own point of view, or emotion or ourselves. But things so seldom really change for the good that we tend to lose hope, especially as we look at the world around us.
The easy option might be just to get into survival mode and hope for the best. As long as we can weather this storm and somehow survive, someone else can pick up the pieces later. You also find the movers and shakers – the go-getters – who can change things, at least temporarily or outwardly. But just maybe Tolstoi had a valid point. If the change we long for can start with ourselves, then there would be hope. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, chapter 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” If the desired change, transformation would start with each and every one of ourselves, there would surely be hope. We might need to become softer and pliable, like clay in the hand of the Potter. I believe God also wants good changes for the benefit of everybody, and He wants to start by changing our minds. We need to think good, constructive and positive thoughts, thoughts of hope and faith and love. The thoughts of God.
Strauss de Jager, NG Kerk
