The well known phrase ‘A leopard can’t change its spots’[i]
has its origins in the 6th century BCE in Jeremiah’s warning to the
people of Israel. It was a call for a change, yet acknowledging that change was
unlikely with their current track record.
However surely the gospel has shown to us
that even the most dramatic change and transformation is possible through the
work of God in our lives.
I can fall into the trap all too easily and
join in the chorus of ‘That’s just the
way they are, they’re never going to change.’ The truth is that attitude is
totally counter to the message of Jesus of Nazareth.
When thinking about the change Jesus can
make in our lives, we often jump to the Saul/Paul account. We can see really
clearly a dramatic transformation from a violent enemy zealot, to a dynamic Christian
leader. However even though this fascinating encounter with God lends itself to
storytellers, this type of instant transformation, while miraculous is no more
miraculous than transformation that takes place over decades.
If our understanding of change is only
caught up in a picture of the immediate, then we are in danger of living a life
of disappointment, with a few stories of joy, but with many frustrating
encounters. Yet were we to grasp that not only can change be instantaneous it
is more often a lengthy journey of pleasure and pain, of mountains and valleys.
The long view requires patience, determination, friends
who are loyal, reliable, and dependable - it is tiring and many quit.
We often compare Peter and Paul, and while Peter is in Jesus inner circle we tend to connect more with Paul and his writtings. Peter seems to take one step forward and
two steps back. He is the one who acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah[ii], then promptly reprimands
Christ.[iii] Peter is the one who
boldly declares his allegiance unto death[iv], then promptly denies he
even knows Jesus[v].
Peter is the one who receives a vision[vi] leading the way for
gentiles/non-Jews to hear the message, then is rebuked by Paul for creating a
‘them and us’ culture by reversing this position[vii]
Peter’s transformation is just as miraculous as Paul’s,
maybe we need to value the long journey of change more and be prepared for the
long haul as we help others on that Journey.
Glasgow City Mission is
having an evening of celebration
and storytelling. It’s open to all and will include stories from our clients,
an opportunity to hear from Bethany
Christian Trust and their award winning ‘Passing the Baton’ programme, as
well as a time for worship and prayer for the city.
Come and hear how you could be part of change.
Sunday
September 15th 6.30pm at St Silas Church Glasgow.
