The Ability to Shift Isn’t Easy

Although challenging, the ability to shift is an essential component of spiritual growth. It’s about being open to God’s guidance, even when it means changing direction in life. We can all relate to this idea of spiritual flexibility, whether through personal experiences or biblical examples.

Problems Lead to Shifts in Perspective

A few years ago, while in Texas, my wife and I encountered an unexpected problem. The humidity was so intense. When she plugged in her iPhone at the end of the day, it displayed a “Liquid Detection” warning. We were both confused about how to fix it.

Suddenly, our 13-year-old son piped up, “Just play the sound that gets the water out!” It turned out there was an app that used sound to remove moisture from phones. And he was right; it worked perfectly!

This experience reminded me of a critical truth: sometimes, the solutions we need come from unexpected places, but only if we’re willing to listen and adapt. Be open to new ideas, be willing to shift perspectives, and be willing to listen to younger generations.

The Ability to Shift in Our Spiritual Lives

Shifting is crucial in our spiritual journey as well. The ability to shift is more than just starting something new; it’s about having the faith and trust to change direction when already on a path. In a world that constantly changes, our resilience and openness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance are vital for our growth in Christ.

Without the willingness to shift and adapt, we risk missing out on the spiritual growth and Gospel impact God intends for us. Shifting isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving in our walk with Christ.

Biblical Shifts from Tradition to Transformation

The Bible offers a powerful example of the need to shift through the changes in dietary laws. Initially, the Old Testament, through Moses, laid out strict rules about what was clean and unclean. These laws were essential for the Israelites to maintain holiness. Then Jesus redefined those rules.

“And he said to them, ‘Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?’ (Thus he declared all foods clean.)” (Mark 7:18-19, ESV)

Jesus declared all foods clean, emphasizing that what defiles us isn’t what goes into our bodies, but what comes out of our hearts. This shift was monumental for the Jewish people of His time. They had to let go of traditions that had been in place for centuries.

A New Perspective on Clean and Unclean

The changes didn’t stop there. In Acts 11, Peter embraced another significant shift when God called him to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, who were previously considered unclean.

“And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven.” (Acts 11:7-10, ESV)

Embracing Gentiles in the Gospel

Finally, in Acts 15, James made it clear that Gentile believers didn’t need to follow all Jewish laws, such as circumcision, to be saved. This decision was pivotal for the early church and allowed the Gospel to spread beyond the Jewish community.

“And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:7-9, ESV)

Why the Ability to Shift Matters Today

These biblical examples highlight the importance of being open to God’s leading, even when it challenges our long-held beliefs. In the modern church, we sometimes resist changes in structure or style, but we need to remember the struggles of the early church.

Their shifts weren’t about preferences; they were about the very nature of salvation and who could receive it. And yet, they followed God’s leading. What about us? Are we going to be people willing to shift when the Holy Spirit prompts us?

Are You Ready to Shift?

It might be difficult! It might mean letting go of what’s comfortable or nostalgic, but the growth that follows will be worth it. The ability to shift is often a willingness to lay down our preferences to align ourselves with God’s plan for our lives and the advancement of His Kingdom.

The greatest spiritual growth often comes from the hardest shifts. Are you ready to embrace the ability to shift for Jesus?

Let’s trust God for the outcome and step into the new directions He’s leading us. If the Holy Spirit is guiding you toward a shift, embrace it with faith, knowing that it will elevate your spiritual journey.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Thoughts

• What areas of your life is the Holy Spirit calling you to shift or adapt?
• How have you seen positive changes come from difficult shifts in your past?
• What traditions or rules might God be asking you to let go of for greater growth?