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“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11 NKJV

Get ready for change (2)

In his book Good to Great, business leader and author Jim Collins compares mega grocery stores A&P, the largest retailing organization in the world in the 1950s, with Kroger, a small, value-based chain of supermarkets also thriving in the fifties. Both of these companies realized that the world was changing with technology. Smartly, both companies conducted research and hired qualified analysts to forecast how these changes would impact future business. They each concluded that going forward, convenience for the customer would be paramount. One-stop shopping was the name of the new shopping game. And Kroger took steps to adjust its stores to the new “superstore” strategy that we take for granted today. In addition to food, they started to carry toiletries, prescription drugs, household items, and more. A&P, however, chose to ignore the findings. The result? In 1999, Kroger generated profits eighty times that of its one-time competitor A&P and took over the number-one spot in the market. There’s a lesson here for you. To achieve what you want in life, you can’t afford to ignore the signs of change or the oncoming challenges. And pretending that something isn’t happening is simply living in denial. Like the Sam Cooke song says, “A change is gonna come.” So are you ready and willing to adapt to change when it comes? Are the techniques you use to cope proactive and effective? Are you seeking God’s guidance and blessing? “The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6 NKJV).

“Daar is ‘n vaste tyd vir alles, elke ding onder die son het sy tyd… Hy het alles mooi gemaak…” Prediker 3:1, 11 NLV

Maak gereed vir verandering (2)

In sy boek, Good to Great, vergelyk die sakeleier en skrywer Jim Collins die mega-kruidenierswinkel A&P, die grootste kleinhandelorganisasie ter wêreld in die 1950’s, met Kroger, ‘n klein, waardegebaseerde supermarkketting wat ook in die vyftigerjare floreer het. Beide maatskappye het besef dat die wêreld besig was om tegnologies te verander. Beide maatskappye het slim navorsing gedoen en gekwalifiseerde ontleders aangestel om te voorspel hoe hierdie veranderinge toekomstige besigheid sou beïnvloed. Hulle het elk tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat gerief vir die kliënt van die allergrootste belang sou wees. Eenstop-inkopies sou al hoe belangriker word. Kroger het dus stappe gedoen om sy winkels by die nuwe ‘superwinkel’-strategie wat ons vandag as vanselfsprekend aanvaar, aan te pas. Benewens kos, het hulle begin om toiletware, voorskrifmedisyne, huishoudelike items en meer te verkoop. A&P het egter gekies om die bevindinge te ignoreer. Die resultaat? In 1999 het Kroger tagtig keer dié van sy eenmalige mededinger A&P se winste gegenereer en die nommer een plek in die mark oorgeneem. Daar is ‘n les hieruit te leer. Om dit wat jy in die lewe wil hê te bereik, kan jy nie bekostig om die tekens van verandering of die komende uitdagings te ignoreer nie. Om voor te gee dat iets nie gebeur nie, is bloot om in ontkenning te leef. Is jy dus gereed en gewillig om by verandering aan te pas wanneer dit opdaag? Is die tegnieke wat jy gebruik om verandering te hanteer proaktief en effektief? Soek jy God se leiding en seën? ‘Dit is tog die Here wat wysheid gee. Sy woorde gee kennis en insig’ (Spreuke 2:6 NLV).

“Though your beginning was insignificant, yet your end will increase greatly.” Job 8:7 NASB

Get ready for change (1)

We often cling to people and things as if we can keep everything the same, but it can’t be done. What you can do is be ready to deal with change when it happens. You may not be able to predict what the change will be, but you can put things in place to help you to deal with it when it arrives. Children go to college, so wise parents consider saving when their babies are first born. People eventually stop working, so it makes sense to save for retirement. A CEO who will one day step down plans for a successor so the company can continue to flourish. Sometimes change is hard, but planning helps us greet change. With God at your side, you have all the tools you need for success, including the flexibility and adaptability to adjust your course whenever necessary. Think of how technology, such as cell phones and computers, has changed the way we communicate, shop, and live. The GPS is an amazing technological innovation, but initially, drivers weren’t too happy to embrace it. But it has transformed the experience of finding one’s way while driving. As you navigate the changes of life: (1) Realize that God lives in you, works through you, and always has your best interests at heart (see Philippians 2:13). (2) Reach out for the latest tools and techniques, whether they’re technological or involve new approaches to family life, diet, exercise, or spirituality. In other words, get ready for change.

“En al het jy met min begin, sal jy met baie eindig.” Job 8:7 NLV

Maak gereed vir verandering (1)

Ons klou dikwels aan mense en dinge vas asof ons alles dieselfde kan hou. Dit kan egter nie gebeur nie. Wat jy wel kan doen, is om gereed te wees om verandering te hanteer wanneer dit plaasvind. Jy mag dalk nie kan voorspel wat die verandering sal wees nie, maar jy kan dinge in plek stel om jou te help om dit te hanteer wanneer dit aanbreek. Kinders gaan universiteit toe, dus oorweeg wyse ouers dit om ‘n spaarplan uit te neem wanneer hulle kinders gebore word. Mense hou uiteindelik op werk, dus maak dit sin om vir aftrede te spaar. ‘n Uitvoerende beampte wat eendag gaan bedank, beplan vir ‘n opvolger sodat die maatskappy kan aanhou floreer. Soms is verandering moeilik, maar beplanning help ons om verandering tegemoet te kom. Met God aan jou sy het jy al die gereedskap wat jy nodig het vir sukses, insluitend die buigsaamheid en aanpasbaarheid om jou koers soos nodig aan te pas. Dink aan hoe tegnologie, soos selfone en rekenaars, die manier waarop ons kommunikeer, inkopies doen en leef, verander het. Die GPS is ‘n wonderlike tegnologiese uitvinding, maar bestuurders was aanvanklik huiwerig om daarvan gebruik te maak. Dit het egter die ervaring om jou pad te vind terwyl jy bestuur, verander. Terwyl jy deur die veranderinge van die lewe navigeer: 1) Besef dat God in jou leef, deur jou werk en altyd jou beste belange op die hart dra (sien Filippense 2:13). 2) Reik uit na die nuutste gereedskap en tegnieke, of dit nou tegnologies is of ‘n nuwe benadering tot gesinslewe, dieet, oefening of spiritualiteit behels. Met ander woorde, maak gereed vir verandering.

“I have been crucified with Christ.” Galatians 2:20 NKJV

Live the crucified life

Paul wrote: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” It’s hard to get offended when you’re dead. It’s hard to get angry, get upset, or get depressed too. Why? Because you’re dead! The day you put your faith in Christ is the day your old self died. Your desires, your dreams, and your plans are dead in the water. The person who goes down in the waters of baptism is not the same as the person who comes up. You are a new creation in Christ. Of course, you must step into this identity on a daily basis. Paul said, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31 NKJV). Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily” (Luke 9:23 NIV). The key word in both verses is “daily.” There’s great freedom in this daily death. Your performance is no longer a statement of your worth. Your ego is no longer on the line. Your reputation is no longer at risk. You are living for the approval of One—that is the Lord! Hence, Paul could write: “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14 NKJV). Then to drive his point home, he wrote: “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3 NKJV).

“…Ek is saam met Christus gekruisig.” Galasiërs 2:19 NLV

Lewe die gekruisigde lewe

Paulus het geskryf: ‘…Ek is saam met Christus gekruisig. Ek leef nie meer nie, maar Christus lewe in my. Die lewe wat ek nou op aarde beleef, leef ek deur geloof in die Seun van God, Hy wat sy liefde vir my bewys het deur in my plek te sterf’ (verse 19-20 NLV) Dis moeilik om aanstoot te neem wanneer jy dood is. Dis ook moeilik om kwaad te word, ontsteld te raak of depressief te raak wanneer jy dood is. Die dag waarop jy jou geloof in Christus plaas, is die dag waarop jou ou mens sterf. Jou begeertes, jou drome en jou planne is dood. Jy is ‘n nuwe skepping in Christus. Natuurlik moet jy daagliks in hierdie identiteit leef. Paulus het gesê: ‘Ek sterf dag vir dag…’ (1 Korintiërs 15:31 AFR53). Jesus het gesê: ‘…as enigeen van julle my dissipel wil word, moet jy jou selfsugtige ambisie aflê, elke dag jou kruis opneem en My volg’ (Lukas 9:23 NLV). Die kern van beide verse is dat dit daagliks moet gebeur. Daar is groot vryheid in hierdie daaglikse dood. Jou prestasie is nie meer ‘n bewys van jou waarde nie. Jou ego is nie meer op die spel nie. Jou reputasie is nie meer in gevaar nie. Jy leef vir die goedkeuring van Een - die Here! Daarom kon Paulus skryf: ‘Maar ek – ek wil my op niks anders beroem as die kruis van ons Here Jesus Christus nie. Want daardeur is die wêreld vir my gekruisig, en ek vir die wêreld’ (Galasiërs 6:14 NLV). Om sy punt tuis te bring, het hy geskryf: ‘Julle het mos saam met Christus gesterf en julle lewe is saam met Hom veilig by God weggesteek’ (Kolossense 3:3 NLV).

“Arise, go up to Ai.” Joshua 8:1 NKJV

The God of second chances

After suffering a humiliating defeat, God gave Joshua a second chance at victory: “Arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.” The king of Ai, still strutting with pride from victory number one, set out for victory number two. He marched toward Joshua, leaving the town unprotected. Joshua’s elite squad charged in and set fire to it. And Joshua reversed his course, catching the army of Ai in the middle. The victory was complete. Contrast this attack with the first one. In the first attack, Joshua consulted spies; in the second, he listened to God. In the first, he stayed home. In the second, he led the way. The point? God gave Joshua a new plan—“Try again, my way.” And when he followed God’s strategy, victory happened. It always does! Perhaps, like Joshua, you too have suffered a humiliating defeat. If so, here are two things you need to know: (1) Don’t give up on God, for He won’t give up on you. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7 NKJV). (2) God will give you another chance. Jonah ran from the call of God, but God wasn’t through with him. “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh’” (Jonah 3:1-2 NKJV). He did. And what God did for Joshua and Jonah, He will do for you if you turn to Him.

“…Vat al jou manskappe en gaan veg teen Ai…” Josua 8:1 NLV

Die God van tweede kanse

Na ’n vernederende nederlaag, het God vir Josua ‘n tweede kans op oorwinning gegee: ‘…Vat al jou manskappe en gaan veg teen Ai. Ek gee die koning van Ai, sy volk en sy stad en sy land in jou mag.’ Die koning van Ai was op pad om ‘n tweede oorwinning teen Josua te gaan behaal. Hy het na Josua toe gemarsjeer en sy stad onbeskermd gelaat. Josua se elite groep soldate het ingestorm en dit aan die brand gesteek. Toe het Josua van koers verander en die leër van Ai in die middel vasgevang. Die oorwinning was voltrek. Vergelyk egter hierdie aanval met die eerste een. In die eerste aanval het Josua spioene geraadpleeg; in die tweede het hy na God geluister. In die eerste het hy tuis gebly. In die tweede het hy sy leër gelei. Toe Josua God se strategie gevolg het, het die oorwinning plaasgevind. Dit gebeur altyd so! Miskien het jy ook, soos Josua, ‘n vernederende nederlaag gely. Indien wel, is hier twee dinge wat jy moet weet: 1) Moenie moed opgee met God nie, want Hy sal nie moed opgee met jou nie. ‘Die goddelose mens moet sy verkeerde dinge los, en die bose mens sy slegte gedagtes. Hy moet terugdraai na die Here en Hy sal hom genadig wees. Ja, draai na God, want Hy sal altyd vergewe!’ (Jesaja 55:7 NLV). 2) God sal jou nog ‘n kans gee. Jona het van God se roepstem weggehardloop, maar God was nie klaar met hom nie. ‘Die Here het ‘n tweede keer met Jona gepraat: ‘Maak jou gereed en gaan na die groot stad Nineve…’ Jona het gereedgemaak en na Nineve toe gegaan...’ (Jona 3:1-3 NLV). Wat God vir Josua en Jona gedoen het, sal Hy vir jou ook doen as jy jou tot Hom bekeer.

“The Lord God put the man in the garden of Eden to care for it and work it.” Genesis 2:15 NCV

Always do a good job

The first thing God did when He made Adam was put him to work. That’s because work gives us a sense of purpose, meaning, and dignity. “God put the man in the garden…to…work it.” So Adam was a gardener. But whether you count cash in a bank, trade futures on Wall Street, flip burgers in a beach-side stand, whip up pasta specials at a five-star restaurant, fell giant timber in the forest or split and deliver firewood, coach a team, pastor a congregation, publish best-selling books, deliver newspapers in the early morning hours, star in your own television show, farm a large acreage, mow and edge neighbourhood lawns, go out on the road as a salesman for computers, drive a truck loaded with machinery, build homes, clean swimming pools, argue cases before a judge, or settle family disputes as a counselor, always do a good job. A wise man once said: “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence.” The biblical character Daniel did that. And like cream, he rose to the top in Babylon. “Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). There are no small jobs, only people who perceive them as small and become small in doing them. The Bible says: “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper” (Proverbs 13:4 NLT). So always do a good job.

“Die Here God het die mens in die Tuin van Eden aangestel om dit te bewerk en te versorg.” Genesis 2:15 NLV

Doen altyd jou werk goed

Toe God Adam gemaak het, het Hy hom eerstens aan die werk gesit. Dit is omdat werk ons ‘n gevoel van doel, betekenis en waardigheid gee. ‘Die Here God het die mens in die Tuin van Eden aangestel om dit te bewerk en te versorg.’ Adam was dus ‘n tuinier. Of jy nou kontant in ‘n bank tel, op Wall Street verhandel, burgers in ‘n strandstalletjie braai, spesialiteit-disse in ‘n vyfster-restaurant maak, hout in die bos kap of brandhout kloof en aflewer, ‘n span afrig, by ‘n gemeente as pastoor optree, topverkoperboeke publiseer, koerante in die vroeë oggendure aflewer, in ‘n televisieprogram speel, ‘n groot stuk grond bewerk, grasperke sny en afrond, rekenaars verkoop, ‘n vragmotor vol masjinerie bestuur, huise bou, swembaddens skoonmaak, sake voor ‘n regter argumenteer, of familiegeskille as ‘n berader besleg, doen altyd ‘n goeie werk. ‘n Wyse man het eenkeer gesê: ‘Elke werk is ‘n selfportret van die persoon wat dit doen. Onderteken jou werk met uitnemendheid.’ Daniël het dit gedoen en die boonste sport in Babilon bereik. ‘Hierdie Daniël het deur sy buitengewone bekwaamheid so uitgeblink bo die ander ministers en die goewerneurs-generaal dat die koning van plan was om hom oor die hele koninkryk aan te stel’ (Daniël 6:4 AFR83). Daar is geen geringe werkies nie, net mense wat dit as gering beskou en in die uitvoering daarvan gering word. Die Bybel sê: ‘Luiaards begeer baie dinge, maar hulle kry dit nie. Mense wat hard werk, het meer as wat hulle kan begeer’ (Spreuke 13:4 NLV). Doen dus altyd jou werk goed.