These two things I have learned to be true about change: Change is hard. Change is a process. Moreover, I believe change is hard because it is a process. But why? What is so hard about process?
Processes take time. Time requires patience. And patience demands faith. In the world of instant gratification that we live in, these essential ingredients of the process – time, patience, faith – can be hard to come by. Before we set out seeking to create change in any area of our lives, however, it is important that understand the recipe for process. Otherwise, we set ourselves up to be sorely disappointed.
Consider this scenario: If I were to plant a tomato seed in my garden one day, and expect to a have fully grown, ready-to-eat harvest later the next day when I returned to assess the progress of my new tomato plant, people would tell me I was crazy for thinking I would find ripe tomatoes so quickly. This may be a silly example, but if I would not expect to see my garden grow overnight, why would I assume that my body, mind, or spirit is capable of such an expedient transformation?
We live in a culture that worships efficiency, always exhorting “bigger, faster, stronger!” It’s easy to fall into this cultural stream and get swept away in a mindset of immediacy while seeking improvement. However, if we take a step back to reflect on the object lessons surrounding us, we will realize we serve a God of process. Whether it be a majestic oak tree, a beautiful head of long hair, a doctorate degree, or the finest wines and aged cheeses, all of these things are valued for the process they undergo. Similarly, as we allow ourselves to become products of the process, we add increasing value to the change we experience physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Many of us are desiring to make positive changes in our lives this time of year. While the world may measure success strictly by outward results and how efficiently we achieve them, Kingdom success is measured differently. It focuses on inward results and the faith we cultivate as we exemplify God-honoring self-discipline and patiently embrace the process. In Philippians 3:12, Paul writes, “I’m not there yet, nor have I become perfect; but I am charging on to gain anything and everything the Anointed One, Jesus, has in store for me – and nothing will stand in my way because He has grabbed me and won’t let me go” (The Voice). Paul humbly acknowledges the reality of the process. Even though he is wholeheartedly sprinting after becoming his best self for God’s glory, He acknowledged that his success is not only possible, but inevitable when Christ has hold of his life.
Earlier this week, I read a blog post by Wes Scheu with Revelation Wellness that I believe echoes Paul’s heart quite beautifully. The author shared this truth: “The world around us revolves around the instant, the big, the noisy, and tries to find the fastest way to “self-actualize”. God’s way is different. His way is far better, quieter, kinder, and focuses our hearts on who he is instead of who we are.”
Let us become lovers of the process and share in the joy of our Lord, knowing that as we patiently embrace the slow nature of change and exercise our faith, we will reap an abundant harvest.