President Obama signed into law today, March 23, 2010, the biggest change in health care. What does this mean to everyday Americans? What should we think?
"All of the overheated rhetoric over reform will finally confront the reality of reform." ~President Obama.
Don't we all feel uncomfortable through a major change. Don't we all find ourselves saying, "Who moved my cheese?".
Change will rock your boat.
Don't we all get overheated when someone is going to change our comfort zone? "We've always done it this way!" You leave your comfort zone and the panic sets in.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Matthew 4:30
With time comes the need for change. Arguing that change is not needed is leaving the blinders on to the possibilities to come. Arguing over how the change is going to happen can halt the best plans and the most needed assistance.
Sounds like the health care system? Read it again and it sounds like many churches today. Read it today and it sounds like many families today. Read it again and it sounds like many corporations today.
Our 80 year old congregation members often dislike the projector screens showing the words to Sunday's hymns but the 30 year olds enjoy it. Our churches over 50 years ago might not have had air conditioning or a sound system. Someone had to take the step out in faith and suggest new changes. It cost money for that projector, sound system, and air conditioning but most of us would agree that it was needed and will benefit the church for years to come.
So change is necessary. Change is usually messy.
There will be arguing over which projector to buy. When the bulb burns out, there will be debate on the cost. When the sound system fades, there will be fighting that the wrong system was put in the first time around. Every decision to be made will be second guessed again and again. Decisions get lost in the catch-22's of life. Everything starts to spin.
Because we're out of our comfort zone, we begin to panic. How will we pay for this? Will it really be any better? When will I see a difference? What happens if it fails? We as humans begin to flap our arms around in crisis mode which often knocks things over and makes a bigger mess. If we stay calm and keep our wits about us, change can be manageable.
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. Psalm 112:7-8
Change does not have to be ugly.
The battle continues even after the bill has been signed into law. The ugliness rages on through Facebook and Twitter. Baltimore's ABC2News reports that as soon as President Obama signed the law, 13 states and counting entered a suit to stop the health care bill.
When it comes to change, we must gather the facts, let them simmer in our minds, and then make a decision for which direction you can help the change occur. This health care bill has been signed into law. If there is a part that needs reform, find it and put your energy into spreading support. Do not waste your anger hollering with your neighbor on the front stoop.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:25-32
Be a light in this world of darkness. Do not let your anger over this bill go to waste. Do not let your excitement breed superiority. We are all in the same boat now and we are all feeling the wind of change.
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