Change Now!

This week will see the inauguration of a new President of France, François Hollande, who was elected on the promise of ‘Le Changement c’est maintenant.’ He promises change, and change now. It got me to thinking about change and how we respond to the need for it.

There is no doubt that, throughout the ‘Western World,’ there is a need for change. We have an economic system and ethical values that have gone awry. But when we shout for change (now!) we often think, let’s change the President, or the Government, or the Church Minister, or the system. If we make these changes then all will be well. Then we discover that the new person or process in whom/which we put our trust is just as flawed as the last.

The changes we seek need to begin in ourselves, not others. It is our desires, hopes, ambitions and behaviours that need to be changed – but that will require help from beyond us. It is only through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit at work in us that we can change. Yet when we are changed we can help to transform what is around us. May God help us to see our own need for change, give us the power to do so, and then bring that transforming power to bear on a needy world.