the EVANGEL

Change

By Pastor Kevin Labby

Malcolm Gladwell popularized and arguably redeemed the term "tipping point" in one of his best-selling books by that same name. So what is a "tipping point?" Here's how one dictionary defines it: "A critical moment in a complex situation in which a small influence or development produces a sudden or irreversible change."

According to Gladwell, the "tipping point" is "that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire."

• We might think of the earliest days of the American Revolution.

• We might think of the birth of rock and roll and "Beatlemania."

• We might think of young Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

• We might think of the time you decided to learn a trade, go to college, start a business, or train to run a 10K.

The examples are endless, from the magnificent to the mundane.

Gladwell studied the precursors and predictors of so-called "tipping points," exploring the several factors that make them possible.

Of course, my purpose is not to preach the Gospel of Malcolm Gladwell in this article (though I admittedly find much of his writing fascinating and thought-provoking). My real reason for mentioning Gladwell is to highlight his emphasis that personal or social change doesn't just happen. It is not an accident (no matter how much it might appear that way). Only when certain things come together is change likely or even possible.

Think of a positive, significant, and desirable change in your lifelike restoring sanity to your finances, breaking an addiction, exercising and eating right, establishing a daily rhythm of prayer and Bible reading, leading a ministry at church or outreach in the community, or something else. What would finally prompt and push you to make the change? Would a confirming sign from God nudge you in the right direction? Would the example of others doing those things lead you to believe such a move was possible? Would growing tired of the old way make you unable to "shake" the idea of a new approach? Would the encouragement of someone make a big difference? Whatever the case, your tipping point probably wouldn't come all at once by a single factor. Instead, it would most likely be the cumulative effect of several.

As we begin 2023, cultural conversations will turn briefly toward resolutions. Many of our friends and neighbors will resolve to establish new habits and goals for the New Year. Perhaps many of us will do the same.

This trend is one reason we plan to begin 2023 with a message entitled "Encouragements at the Start of a New Year" on New Year's Day, based on Lamentations 3:22-24. We will then take a verse-by-verse tour of Titus in January and February. As one of Paul's letters to a young pastor, the book of Titus provides many inspiring instructions for healthy change.

The change God desires for you is possible, but many things must come together. So make sure to start 2023 with one of the most important: weekly encouragement in God's Word.

May the Lord bless you and yours in this New Year!

Thank you to all who planned, served and attended Christmas Fest 2022!

Photos courtesy of Emily Rothey