July 2024
Is it Time to Try Something New?
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
Many times, I have started my day with unexpected challenges that caused delays, frustration, and stress. When asked by those around me how my day is going, my usual response when dealing with these issues is, “A rough start.” We have all found ourselves in situations in which we are not pleased with our current state or progress. It is in these moments we find ourselves at a crossroads. Do we allow moments of frustration to determine the outcome of the rest of our day, or do we change our approach to ensure the end of the day is better than the beginning? Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV) says, “the end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” Our start does not have to look like our finish! This is true with each day, year, and even our lives. King Solomon, most famous for his wisdom, also says patience is better than pride. Patience is one of the hardest virtues for me personally, especially in times of stress. However, patience is an important virtue, especially when we put our trust in God. By setting our pride aside, admitting that we can’t do everything ourselves, and patiently waiting for God’s direction in our lives, we are certainly setting ourselves up for a better finish.
Peter Drucker once said, “If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old.” It is so easy for us to get into a routine of the same old practices. Even when we are struggling or unhappy with our current place or progress, moving to something new can be difficult. Procrastination seems to always play a role. Even when you are unhappy with where you are in life, people seem to find some comfort in what they find familiar. It is the uncertainty of a new beginning that surfaces anxiety. However, everything in life is time-based. We can all reach a point when time runs out, and our chance to improve those areas of our lives is gone. Proverbs 27:1 (NIV) says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” The Bible makes it clear that we are not guaranteed more time, and we don’t know the challenges of tomorrow. As such, it is important for us to take advantage of today.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” There is a big difference between having knowledge of someone and having a relationship with someone. Without a relationship with Jesus, you forfeit all the access to joy, direction and a secure future. For those who are looking for something new, maybe it’s time for you to start your relationship with Jesus. His love is unlike anything that you can experience on this earth. Furthermore, there may be some who have a relationship with Jesus but have let the distractions of this world hinder their growth. There is no better time than now to solidify and grow your relationship with our heavenly Father. Life will still throw some curve balls at us from time to time. However, for those who have a relationship with Jesus, we get the benefit of an advocate. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”This passage is a great example of replacing the old with the new. We can choose to replace fear and dismay with strength and help. Regardless of our age, position, struggles, or history, we can all choose to end better than we started.
Challenge: A rough start to our day, week, month or life does not have to be the forecast of your future. Replace the old with the new by starting and/or developing your relationship with Jesus. Don’t let fear, pride, anxiety and the familiar hold you back from experiencing the joy, strength and love that is available to us all through Christ Jesus.
Published: July 1, 2024
