Jen’s Gem:  It’s time to shake things up!

I recently hosted a party for my daughter’s college graduation. Part of the preparations included cleaning my condo and ensuring everything was organized. I am blessed to have a guest bathroom yet with the number of people attending, it was quite possible the master bath would need to be used.

To prevent anyone from seeing my “unmentionables,” I moved the hamper to a spot in my closet where I had a rolling cart. I then placed the cart in my bathroom. Afterwards, I actually thought this was a better long-term solution and was happy about the change. Until…

Every time I needed to place something in the hamper, I threw it in its old home in the bathroom. I am embarrassed to say how many times I have done this. Even today, I did it again!

The first time it happened, I was thrown off. “Where is the hamper?” The next time, I rolled my eyes at my stupidity. “Really Jen? Really?” Today when it happened yet again, I got a chuckle out of it. Well…and a blog post! Win-win!

Ooo – we love our routines, don’t we? We love the comfort of sameness. There’s security  and trust in the rituals we have established. In a world of unpredictability, they represent the predictable.

When Jesus came on the scene, many of the people of that day were very comfortable with their religious routines and rituals.  They knew who they were when there were specific rules to follow to “earn” God’s approval.

Jesus was like a highway rumble strip to these rules. His presence shook up the people because He taught only two rules: “Love God. Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-40) 

What other rules did He break?

• Healed people on the Sabbath – yikes! You’re not supposed to “work” on the Sabbath.
• Took meals with tax collectors. Whaat? Eating with these low-lifes?
• Jesus touched and healed lepers. Double yikes!! You don’t touch these people!

And then…the biggest rumble strip of them all…Jesus saying he was the Son of God (Matthew 3:17 NKJV) sent to preach, teach, and heal sinners. (Luke 4: 18-19 NKJV)

The people did not know what to make of this. They wanted their hampers to stay right where they were, dirty laundry and all. Many did not want to give up their rules and routines. They were stuck in their ways, resisting change. Even though it held the ultimate benefit of eternal life in heaven, they chose to stay in their rut. 

Change can be difficult, yet if we truly want to grow, we must be willing to try something new. We must open our minds and hearts to consider tossing the tried and true to the curb.

I want to encourage you to consider making one change this week regarding your relationship with God. Read the Bible every day. (If it’s been a while, start with the Gospel of John.) Begin your day with a prayer. Return to church services if you’ve been absent.

It might be uncomfortable at first. But in no time at all, you’ll have a new routine!