Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday January 6, 2009

Today's letter is a response from my old friend, Mike Pyatt. It is right on target for those of us stuck in comfort zones.

Larry:

Must admit I missed your daily "ramblings". Welcome back.

As I read your letter it reminded of an article that I just reviewed for The Academy of Management(one of the tasks for which I volunteered). The focus of the article was "Change & Adaptation". While it was research based, I commented that it missed some practical dimensions.

I think to "get better", not spiritually, but as we live and do what we do, we must learn to adapt & change. More than change itself is our reaction to change. We can see it as an opportunity or resist. Old guys like me must constantly guard against "we've always done it that way", or "there is no reason to change".

We don't have to look back too far to see that the visionary of the day is the "also ran" of yesterday. In 1977, Ken Olson, Chairman of Digital Equipment Corporation, a "cutting edge" computer firm of the day. On the subject of "home computers" he replied with absolute certainty "There is no reason for anyone to have a computer in his home." Worse than being wrong organizationally is being obsolete.

Churches face the same challenge. Not the message changing, but sometime the methods. When some are still focused on "long hair" or "secondary separation", the world goes headlong into a Christ-less eternity.

Some things I have written on an old piece of stationary for me to look and and be reminded:

1. Change is here to stay-Ignore the myth that it will go away.

2. Do I see change as a gift?- Progress often masquerades as "trouble".

3. Control my attitude about change- Not blind abandonment to loyalty, but assessing the need for change.

4. Pride of the Past- Guarding against "we've always done it that way" mentality. Don't let strengths become weaknesses.

5. Accept a degree of ambiguity & uncertainty- I find security in my "comfort zones". In the midst of change examine and assume the responsibility for continuous , lifelong learning. The gospel of Jesus Christ and His word are absolute-very few things I do are.

Anyway, I am learning that clinging to the past is a short-term career. The former Chairman of Phillips Petroleum once described the dilemma of adapting in the midst of change, "We can't wait for the storm to blow over, we've got to learn to work in the rain."

Best to you Brother in the New Year.

Mike Pyatt Copyright (C) 2009 Use with credit

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