Change. It’s as good as a rest – apparently. Sometimes that’s a scary rest, like sharing a holiday cottage with a rabid tiger. But even scary change is somehow good for us. It’s all part of the adventure of being alive.
We all know the parts of ourselves – and our society – that need to change. Insane jealousy; trade rules that exploit poor people. A vicious temper; the impact of an earthquake on vulnerable communities. It can be difficult to know where to begin.
But inviting God to work in us and through us is as good a place as any. It’s a simple invitation, but where might it lead? Coming closer to the cross of Jesus, and the forgiveness and acceptance we find there, stirs a strange impetus in us. We hope to transform bad into good wherever we find it.
It works both ways – the more we change for the better inside, the more we want to change around us. And the more steps we take to transform our society, the more we find ourselves needing courage, insight, humility and wisdom. We can’t stand up for others without discovering new truths about Jesus and ourselves.
In Malawi, where food shortages force children from poor families onto the city streets, Tearfund’s partner organisation Chisomo Children’s Club is initiating such a cycle of transformation. Social worker Mac Nkhutabasa explains:
‘People think that street children are useless, but we help children identify their talents, be good citizens and support themselves. When children perform music and drama or play football, they carry a message to society: “We are not useless people. We’ve got potential.”’
Street children in Malawi rediscover their childhood – and have fun at the Chisomo Children’s Club.
We’re never alone in hoping for change. When we ask God to transform our hearts and our society, we’re joining thousands of Christians in poor and rich countries across the world who want the same thing. And when we offer actions to back up our hope, we’re a powerful part of the solution.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10