How To Avoid Change (But Maybe Don’t)

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

Let’s be honest—change is awful. It’s uncomfortable. It’s awkward. It messes with our perfect little comfort zones and makes us sweat emotionally (and sometimes physically).

But what if you could avoid change altogether? I mean completely dodge growth and transformation while maintaining the illusion of spiritual maturity?

Good news! I’ve found the perfect tool: Defensive Thinking.

Just apply the right label to any human who dares to out-pray, out-work, out-worship, or out-grow you:

• Fanatic – Anyone more passionate than you.
• Workaholic – Anyone who arrives early.
• Lazy – Anyone who arrives late.
• Immature – Anyone having more fun than you.
• Prosperity Preacher – Anyone blessed beyond your comfort zone.
• Heretic – Anyone with a new idea.
• Exaggerator – Anyone with a miracle story.
• Flake – Anyone who hears from God in dreams.
• O.T.T. – Anyone acting like they’ve actually read Hebrews 11.
• Eccentric – Anyone who does something Jesus might do.

See? Just tag them and move on. Crisis averted. Growth avoided. Ego intact.

But here’s the catch—avoiding change also means avoiding growth, purpose, and probably a good chunk of what God has for you. Iron can’t sharpen iron if you’re wrapped in bubble wrap. You can’t become more like Jesus while protecting your pride.

So maybe—just maybe—instead of dodging change, we lean into it.

Maybe those “fanatics” are just people who’ve seen something we haven’t yet.

Maybe that passion, boldness, or breakthrough is meant to provoke us… to grow.

So what’ll it be?

Keep tagging and dodging—or take a deep breath and change.

God has placed people in my life to help me grow, challenge me, and refine me—and I will humbly receive their encouragement, correction, and wisdom. I will also be a sharpening tool for others, speaking truth in love, calling them higher, and helping them walk in God’s best for their lives.

I reject isolation and embrace Kingdom relationships that bring strength, clarity, and maturity. Through Christ, I will grow sharper in faith, deeper in love, and stronger in purpose.

BELIEVE & CONFESS: GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE

Studying in a small group is one of the great ways to grow in God and a powerful way to grow church unity.

Romans 12 promises that we can be “transformed by the renewing of our minds”. We pray this seven-week course would utterly transform your world, as the power of God’s word hits your heart with creative force. May you never be the same again!  Please Note: This book contains the same content as our original Believe & Confess (landscape) book with additional journal & group discussion pages.

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