The Secret Of Change
“The secret of change it to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” ~ Socrates
There are so many times in our lives that we attempt to change. We change our appearance, we change our weight, we change our manner of doing things, et cetera. Many times, when we attempt our changes, we do so “fighting the old”. The problem with that is that we so often focus on the old that we get stuck doing the same thing over and over again, even though we want to do something different.
The logical solution that one could suggest would be: “Well, go ahead and do something different!” Easier said than done. Once we are in a rut, it is hard to break out. But, if we hope to effect the change that we need and desire, we have to break out from the old habits that we employ and break into something new. Building on the new is a thought that has been around for ages as exemplified in the fact that today’s quote comes from Socrates.
If we have known for ages that we must build on the new rather than waste our energy fighting the old, why have we not prevailed yet? Why do we continue to fight the old? Why do we not do what is necessary and helpful? I think one of the reasons might be familiarity. Yes. We tend to reach for the familiar in our lives, even if it is wrong or negative. We reach for it because it is predictable. We would rather have something predictable than unpredictable, even if the unpredictable promises success.
That is why so many people stay entrenched in sin. They talk about wanting to be in a better place in their spiritual lives but they are afraid of making the movement away from the predictable mess that is their lives. Let not fear keep you from building upon new experiences and successes. Do not be afraid to step out in the faith. Be confident that God will walk by your side.
FAITH ACTION: Ask God for the courage that you need to leave sinful ways behind.