THE BUSINESS OF CHANGE
repost from February 2011
I stood behind him in line at the hardware store… There he was, one of my adolescent hero’s… The voice that got me through two-a-day football practices in high school one year.
One of his songs has become the anthem for all kids to officially ring in the summer. Do you remember the song? Here’s the chorus to refresh your memory.
“Well we can’t salute ya, can’t find the flag”
“If that don’t suit ya, that’s a drag”
“Schools out for summer – Schools out for summer”
Ahh, now you remember. Alice Cooper of course! He’s old now… The music is timeless, but he’s not. He actually looks good, but it’s been over thirty years since he dominated shock rock.
None of us have a choice, with time we change. While we don’t have complete control of how we change physically, we do have a choice as to if we change spiritually. I’m not trying to get into a Calvinistic debate, I’m simply referring to our free will. Yes God calls us, but we have to be willing and obedient to His call then and now.
I think Vincent Furnier, or who we call Alice Cooper is a great example of God’s call and the ensuing change. I haven’t seen too many rock stars acknowledge God and strive to live a Godly life.
About four years ago our friends who’s oldest daughter was getting Baptized invited us to their church for the Baptism. As I sat glancing around at the beautiful church a guy up in the balcony caught my eye. He had sunglasses on, I thought to myself, “What kind of guy wears sunglasses to church”? I looked closer and then realized, “Why Alice Cooper of course.”
I’m not vouching for his walk with God, but I know enough about him to know this; There’s a guy trying, maybe even succeeding, who knows for sure but God?
I consider the changes that God has orchestrated in my life that started with His forgiveness. My life is now as far east as it was from west, at least in God’s economy anyway. I’ve forgotten some of the details of my past, which I think in some cases is a blessing from God. I remember enough to realize the change has been miraculous.
The sure sign that God is in someone’s life is change. How can the miraculous change in Jesus Christ’s disciples be explained otherwise? A group of regular people who ran in fear for their lives and hid from the world like cowards.
After they saw a resurrected Jesus Christ they understood the temporariness of this soul cage and the eternity of the souls themselves. This change in the disciples changed the world. That change God used in those people continue to change the world today, one heart at a time.
Their change from coward to men of courage ultimately cost them their physical lives. They knew the risks of speaking the truth to a lost world and they understood the implications of teaching about the true King of Kings in a censored society. Yet they chose to live a life of change even in the face of death.
These people’s changed lives are recorded and God used their lives to change the course of humanity. This country wouldn’t exist the way it does if not for that super natural change.
I think back to some changes in my life and the impact it had on others in my small world. Change is difficult, but it is good if done for the right reasons. I’ve come to realize the best way to measure if it’s done for the right reason, is to ask ourselves if it is about us or others. All of us know the answer to the questions of the heart.
The business of change isn’t for the faint of heart, it is difficult and will require a bit of courage relative to the significance of change. Changing the world is our heritage passed down from those that knew fear, yet lived above it looking up and out from themselves with wisdom.
I’m sure Alice Cooper is honored to have been selected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I’m even more certain he’s relieved to know that his name has been selected to God’s Book of life.
Alice Cooper is living proof that God is in the business of changing people’s lives. As I look back over my life I guess I am too…
What would you say to a famous childhood musical influence you had a chance encounter with in the hardware store? Would you ask about the music, the songs, the inspiration?
We talked about light bulbs…
Alan Dreier
Thursday, November 8, 2012 @ 11:10 pm
Inspireing read!! Have had many changes in my life too, ever moving closer to God. I’ts nice to be reminded of all the changes in our lives.
Floyd
Friday, November 9, 2012 @ 6:57 am
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Alan. Funny we all tend to avoid change, yet we know it’s inevitable. We all need to be reminded I think. Have a great weekend!
Betty Draper
Friday, November 9, 2012 @ 4:37 pm
Like your comment, “change is not for the faint of heart”. Mercy I have fainted more then once over some of the changes in our life. God just picks me up and dust me off and sets me once again on His path.
Thats interesting about Alice Cooper, funny you talked about light bulbs but hey you were in hardware store, light bulbs, wrenches, hammers…all man stuff.
Good post brother.
Floyd
Friday, November 9, 2012 @ 5:27 pm
Thanks, Betty. Change is indeed hard. His mercy is the only thing that gets us through.
I have to say, he was a nice guy.
Hazel Moon
Friday, November 9, 2012 @ 6:43 pm
This world is in for more changes and very soon. The important thing is that we change inwardly and even daily for our God. I am so happy that you are now so far from east and west as you once were. We also must change our prayer habits. Instead of praying for God to kill our enemies, we must pray that they get a spiritual heart transplant. It worked for Saul who became Paul, and many others.
Floyd
Saturday, November 10, 2012 @ 11:15 am
That’s a really good point, Hazel. We need to pray for the lost, regardless of their actions. I’ve been actively doing this for some time. It does bring about a real peace from God. In the process it reveals to us the hearts of those who are lost. Fear is what enslaves their hearts and minds. Anyone who doesn’t know our Father will tend to reveal this in their actions. It’s a sad thing. How can we not pray for them? Thanks, Hazel. Well said.
Nancy
Friday, November 9, 2012 @ 7:09 pm
Well put Alice…..er, i I mean Floyd~!
From glory to glory is what the Master ordered. I’ll take His directives over mine any time. So glad I’m not who I used to be! Changed into His image and after His likeness is my goal!
Floyd
Saturday, November 10, 2012 @ 11:17 am
Funny girl! I too am glad I’m not who I used to be. God is in the business of change and it’s never ending while in this dimension. I’ll bet you have that song stuck in your head! Your welcome!
Voni Harris
Friday, November 9, 2012 @ 10:51 pm
God is always at work in all of us in His own way at His own time. I remember being upset at people complaining about Jeff Gordon’s bad language at the race track after he appeared with the Billy Graham crusade. I just thought, “Come on, people. We don’t know what God’s working on in Gordon’s life at this time.” Let’s all just relax and let God do His thing…tough enough to be in the public eye without us judging them in their fishbowl. I’ve got enough to do to keep a soft heart and let God do his work of change in MY life!
Floyd
Saturday, November 10, 2012 @ 11:20 am
I’m with you, Voni. None of us have the insight into a person’s heart like God. Those words mean little about the position of his heart. Since when do Christians have the strength to not be human? We all know that we get tested more than the lost! And yet we devour our own like cannibals! I find it very frustrating when we begin to judge others weaknesses while ignoring our own. I’m with you, I have my own set of weaknesses, they just might be a little different than others. Good insight, Voni. Thanks.
Lincoln Parks
Saturday, November 10, 2012 @ 10:08 am
What an awesome story. I can only imagine that look on your face when you saw him at the Baptism. We don’t know what’s going on in anyone’s life and how their walk with Jesus is. However, we do know like you said that Change is the ultimate indicator from the outside. I was watching a video the other day the person was speaking about how we remember all these scriptures and can recite them, but are we really changing or doing anything? Great Post!
Floyd
Saturday, November 10, 2012 @ 11:22 am
Thanks, Lincoln. Great point. Talk is cheap. Our actions are the fruit of our spirit and those can only be measured over a lifetime. Change is hard, but God is in the business of change…
Audra Krell
Saturday, November 10, 2012 @ 2:58 pm
I have a very, very good, strong memory. And yet blessedly, I have forgotten details of some of my not- so -great past too. I’m certain it’s part of God restoring the years the locusts ate. Funny though, I can sure remember other people’s past mistakes. This post is a reminder of all I have been forgiven for and how much I need to offer it to others. I love that you talked about light bulbs!
Floyd
Saturday, November 10, 2012 @ 3:38 pm
“Restoring the years the locusts ate.” That is a line from a writer if I’ve ever heard one! Gotta remember that one… I’d say we all need that reminder of offering forgiveness to others, Audra. It’s easy to forget how far God has brought us from the darker years.
Yeah, it was a real “illuminating” conversation… I hope that humor is a step above pathetic…
Thanks, Audra. I always appreciate your take on things.
Audra Krell
Sunday, November 11, 2012 @ 4:54 pm
It’s actually a line from the greatest author of all, it’s from the book of Joel verse 2:25. Your humor is always great Floyd! Even “a step above pathetic” is hilarious! : )
Floyd
Sunday, November 11, 2012 @ 5:37 pm
I should have known! I’ve read that line more than once in my life! Maybe my memory is going? He is the greatest of all writers He is The Word.
It takes a good friend to appreciate bad humor! Thanks, Audra.
Ngina Otiende
Saturday, November 10, 2012 @ 8:09 pm
Great article Floyd. We often try to guess what’s in the heart of a man..but only God truly knows. I like your perspective about our motives for change – provides food for thought this evening.
Floyd
Sunday, November 11, 2012 @ 11:09 am
Thanks, Ngina. I guess we all have some differences about the subject, but in the end we’re all more alike than we are different… What an amazing design we are…
Dan Black
Sunday, November 11, 2012 @ 11:49 am
Change in any area can be challenging but it’s required if we want to reach our personal and spiritual potential. Your post reminded me of John 15,
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”
This shows God changes us so we can be closer to Him. Great post!
Floyd
Sunday, November 11, 2012 @ 12:07 pm
What a great point and scriptural back up. Without our Father there is no good in us and the only true and lasting change is in the heart. Excellent lesson, Dan. Thanks.
Dan Black
Sunday, November 11, 2012 @ 12:12 pm
I thought it connected well:) John 15 is one of my favorite passages.
Floyd
Sunday, November 11, 2012 @ 3:09 pm
Yeah, it definitely hit the mark. That is a powerful verse. Basically without God we are dead… literally.
tcavey
Monday, November 12, 2012 @ 10:53 am
Alice Cooper..yeah, brings back memories.
God’s been speaking to me about how we as the Body of Christ need to stop hiding behind suites and ties and show the world what God saved us from. NONE of us were or are perfect and yet we portray the world that we are. It’s time we got real and showed our weaknesses.
Alice Cooper is a great example.
Thanks for this post.
Floyd
Monday, November 12, 2012 @ 6:29 pm
That’s a great point, TC. We try to “look” the part instead of letting the world see the real truth which is so much more powerful than a false facade. In our weakness the world will find the strength of our Father. Great vision, thanks.
Mike
Monday, November 12, 2012 @ 6:37 pm
I’m not sure what I’d talk to Alice Cooper about if I ran into him at the hardware store, but it would be pretty cool. Isn’t it amazing how God can turn some of us hard core, hard nose self important people into instrument of His Grace? Often we don’t notice the change that is happening in us until it has happened. We then look back and gratefully thank God for turning a pigs ear into a silk purse. I always enjoy your stories. Thanks!
Floyd
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 @ 6:55 am
Thanks, Mike. You and I are two peas in a pod my friend! I love that old adage, “Turning a pigs ear into a silk purse.” We are walking miracles and yet the world and us sometimes misses that powerful reminder that God provides through His grace.