Change resisters

Minor change is when it's on you, major change is when it's on me. I've been giving some thought recently to why people resist change.

Let me offer you the following:

They fear the unknown. They fear that the changes that are made will not make sense.

They fear loss. They fear losing what they are comfortable with. Being comfortable is a very seducing for any Christian. I've learned that people don't change until the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of changing.

They fear surprise. Nobody likes to be blindsided. Myself included. When we are blindsided there is a tendency to dig in our heels and react negatively.

They fear insecurity. It's hard for most people to see how they will be better off with the changes that are proposed. They begin to believe that they have a lot to lose and very little to gain. Some people begin to feel like they aren't needed any longer or that somehow they will be demoted in their importance or role in the group.

They fear uncertainty and confusion. They misunderstand the intentions of the leader. There's not enough information about the next step to enable them to emotionally "wrap their minds" around the proposed changes.

They fear loss of power. Here's an axiom: Change is exciting when it is done by us, but usually threatening when it is done to us. Some wonder that when the dust settles, where will they end up? Some fear losing status and others may gain status.

They fear being out of the status quo. Status quo is strong. We all get settled into our own ruts and routines. Bringing a group of people out of that takes a lot of prayer and work.

More to come tomorrow.