There’s an old expression in the church that was used to sniff out supposed heretics. That term was “change agent.” Change agents refer to individuals who advocate for significant alterations in the church’s practices, beliefs, or structure and were accused of deviating from the church’s “norms” or traditions. The problem is that this term is incredibly subjective and many were over-labeling people as change agents when they simply were trying to do good for the kingdom.
There is nothing inherently wrong with change or doing new things, so long as they are in step with God’s commandments. God himself said, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19 ESV). Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Renewal. Transformation. Change. These are all good things when they align with God’s good and perfect will. It’s our duty to seek and follow the will of God. Oftentimes even well-intentioned people follow their own desires, thinking it is God’s will when it is not. Following God’s will requires discipline and a vast amount of scripture reading and prayer. As Christians, we can be change agents for good! We can be transformed to become more like Christ. This is the change we should be after!