Dear HLPC family,
I’ll admit I’m not a huge fan of change. I like consistency. I like routine. But the one thing in life that never changes is change. Children and grandchildren grow up, our bodies grow old, friends come and go—life is all about change. Some changes are good—we watch our children become maturing adults, we see God at work in our lives to conform us to the image of His Son, we make new friends and build new relationships through the years. Some changes are not so good—our bodies wear out, we have to say goodbye to those who move or go to be with the Lord, we see cultural changes that disturb and worry us greatly.
This is where the doctrine of God’s immutability comforts us. This doctrine tells us that God Himself does not change. As we are told plainly in Malachi 3:6 “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed” (ESV). James 1:17 says, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (ESV).
For someone who is not a fan of change, these passages of Scripture help. They help me hold on to Biblical principle in the face of cultural change and give me comfort as I face personal change. The Lord—His character, His promises, and His work on my behalf through His Son, Jesus Christ—never changes and it never will. The “not guilty” verdict declared over me through faith alone in the work of Christ alone will never ever be rescinded.
If you’re like me and you’re not a big fan of change, then cling to that. The Lord never changes. That means I don’t need to panic when everything around me seems to always change. That’s ultimate stability.
Your Pastor,
Paul