The Change That Really Matters

Our society seems to love the notion of “change”.  It is a political rallying cry and a social conditioning tool.  We must come to understand that not all “change” is a good thing.  Much of the “change” that is encouraged today is contrary to the will of God.  People have become so brazen as to denounce the Word of God, and the life that He prescribes.  We are warned in both of the Old and New Testaments against such “change”.  Moses wrote, “Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.  Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:1-2).  Likewise, John wrote, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18-19).  These warnings are largely ignored by so many today.  We should accept the truth that we can never accomplish positive “change” by disobeying God and altering His Word.  Sin is never a “good” thing that should be endorsed and promoted.  Instead, we need brave and loyal soldiers of Christ who continue to “preach the Word” to a world that is largely ignorant of such (2 Tim. 4:2).

          There are some of you who will recall when June was known as “the bridal month”.  At one point in history, June was the favorite month for weddings to occur.  Unfortunately, some have successfully worked to “change” June to what many now call “Pride Month”.  The pride that is encouraged is in regard to the sinful lifestyles of those who claim to be LGBTQA+.  From politicians to deceived youngsters, the so-called “Pride Month” is celebrated and glamorized.  It has seemingly become the “in” thing with certain people.  God has clearly addressed the problems that are associated with this deviant practice.  First of all, God does not want men to be prideful.  The Word of God is plain.  “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).  Further, “The light of the righteous rejoiceth:  but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.  Only by pride cometh contention:  but with the well advised is wisdom” (Prov. 13:9-10).  Then there is, “A man’s pride shall bring him low:  but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit” (Prov. 29:23).  Likewise, the Bible states, “When pride cometh, then cometh shame:  but with the lowly is wisdom” (Prov. 11:2).  Also, “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD:  though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished” (Prov. 16:5).  “Destruction”, “a fall”, “contention”, being brought “low”, “shame”, and “abomination” are not things that a man should be striving to exude in his life.  Please notice that those who behave as such “…shall not be unpunished”.  Then there are two particular passages that stand out even amongst the previous verses.  “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil:  pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate” (Prov. 8:13).  “These six things doth the LORD hate:  yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:16-19).  Is it not ironic that advocates of so-called “Pride Month” proclaim “Love is Love”, when God hates the things that they promote (cf. Rom. 1:22-32; Lev. 18:22; 20:13)?

          We should also realize that Jesus clearly taught against the sin of pride.  “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:  All these evil things come from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7:21-23).  Jesus did not teach the “change” for which so many advocate today.  Instead, Jesus taught a greater “change” that man should accept.  “I tell you, Nay:  but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5).  Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of life (cf. Matt. 21:28-31).  Without repentance, man’s soul will be condemned.  “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31; Gal. 5:19-21).  Yes, I believe that there is a need for change.  However, repentance is not the “change” that so many want.
~ Corey Barnette