One of the things I’ve learned over the past almost three years of being a pastor is that I have to change. Often. Because I’m not perfect and what I think is best now is not always what will be best down the road…or even right now!

Many times it’s easy to see a change that needs to be made. Other times it’s a lot harder. But in both circumstances one question clears the air on whether or not a change is needed: is what I’m doing working!?

That question can save a lot of heartache and years of defeat. Whether it is in your church, your job, your family, or your finances. When you feel that irritation in the pit of your stomach, or the anger of someone telling you that you’ve got it wrong, or even the confusion of what you should do next – just step back and honestly answer that question.

It amazes me to watch people justify why they make decisions for their family that are going to have devastating effects. I’m shocked almost weekly at pastors who refuse to even entertain the thought that there might just be a better way than what they’ve done for years. I know that it USED to work or that’s what you THOUGHT scripture said (just remember that little detail that you aren’t Jesus!) And – most notably – I’m baffled at how many people continue to make dumb choices with their money that go against everything logical and biblical. If your way is so great in each of these circumstances, why isn’t it working?!

So something must change. I’m thankful for a church and a group of staff who will make the changes with me when necessary. I’m thankful for a wife who is willing to change how we spend our money or spend our time when what we are doing just isn’t working. And I’m thankful for a God who uses these changes in direction to redeem my own failures time and time again.

So what are YOU doing that might need some adjustment? What is it that you are fighting so hard to hold on to? How you do church? Your job? Money? Raising kids? Relationships? If you are honest for a moment, you’ll be ready to make some big changes for the better. But first, you just have to admit that what you’re doing now…well, it’s just not working.