Change

Do you ever feel like society is stuck on repeat? This is because we are caught in an endless tug between change and preservation. The contextual details evolve, but the story remains the same. In this tension, change will always win. Ancient wisdom had it exactly correct by stating, “change is the only constant.” With this as a given, the only question left to resolve is how much disruption this change will cause. How we deal with change is directly correlated to our frustration, fear, and anger. Too little change produces a society that does not progress. Too much change, and too quickly, then society will feel threated. Everyone wants a fairer, more loving, and more just world. At the same time, everyone loves that which makes us who we are… our customs, cultures, and traditions. So, how do we find the right balance between change and preservation? 

I anticipate the new television series titled Genesis MLK/X, which is being released by National Geographic on February 1st, will explore the tension between change and preservation. Watching and discussing the series will be an excellent way to celebrate black history month. Historically, Dr. Martin Luther King represented the gradualist strategy by understanding that equality can only be accomplished by the political will of those in power. We often water-down Dr. King’s message by suggesting that he only concerned himself with character issues, as opposed to issues of racism. Malcom X demonstrated a less patient approach, understanding that people will only move if they are pushed. We often warp Malcom’s message by suggesting that he advocated for violence. In reality, truth is often far more complex and nuanced. 

I encourage you to make a plan to watch the documentary. As you do, be watchful of the tension between change and preservation. It is less important to focus on which Civil Rights icon had the better strategy, and more important to understand how both strategies were necessary. The tension between change and preservation can be found in any culture, in any country, and throughout any time period. The specifics are different, but the general struggle remains the same.

Aside from many churches serving as a kind of social hub for the Civil Rights Movement, you may be asking, “what does the fight for equality have to do with being a faithful disciple?” Well… the ancient vision of the Kingdom of God is the same throughout the entire Bible. Hebrew prophets, like Amos and Jeremiah, were preaching about the same Kingdom that Jesus described. Dr. King and Malcom X were preaching that same vision. It is my prayer that Lamb of God Church is preaching that same Kingdom as well. It is a vision where both peace and justice beautifully meet. We must call for change, while at the same time, celebrate who we are. It is not a question of right or wrong, it is a question of finding a balance.

The Church is in a wonderfully unique position because we understand the value of tradition. We preserve tradition because that’s what gives us our identity. At the same time, we have this mission in the world that calls us to make it better.  And so, we are on the same quest as the people who came before us. We are finding the balance between change and preservation. When we discover that we all are needed to execute the vision, that is when we find harmony. That is where peace and justice meet!

Finding balance,

Pastor Lucas

Photo by Bee Chalder