Week 5: “The handwriting on the wall.”

“Had Hem ever decided to let go and move on? Had he ever entered the maze and discovered what could make his life better? Or was Hem still hemmed in because he would not change… Hem had to find his own way, beyond his comforts and past his fears. No one else could do it for him, or talk him into it. He some how had to see the advantage of changing himself. Haw knew he had left a trail for Hem and that he could find his way, if he could just read The Handwriting on the Wall. He went over and wrote down a summary of what he had learned on the largest wall of Cheese Station N… While Haw still had a great supply of Cheese, he often went out into the maze and explored new areas to stay in ouch with what was happening around him. He knew it was safer to be aware of his real choices than to isolate himself in his comfort zone.”

-Spencer Johnson, “Who Moved My Cheese?” – pages 73, 75

What had Haw written on the wall? His wisdom applies to all people (especially Christians and churches). The writing on the wall said:

• Change happens – they keep moving the cheese.
• Anticipate change – get ready for the cheese to move.
• Monitor change – smell the cheese often so you know when it is getting old.
• Adapt to change quickly – the quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you can enjoy new cheese.
• Change – move with the cheese.
• Enjoy change – savor the adventure and enjoy the taste of new cheese.
• Be ready to change quickly and enjoy it again and again – they keep moving the cheese.

Every pastor, elder, deacon, member, pew sitter, denominational leader and presbytery leader needs to look closely at the “Handwriting on the Wall.” Seminary teaches us many good things. However, it DOES NOT TEACH US TO LEAD!

It is hard to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit when we are so entrenched in past that we refuse to change. The disciples had to change—transforming from followers into leaders. The early church had to change and accept Gentiles who believed in Jesus. The Catholic Church refused to change so the Holy Spirit brought about the Reformation. Presbyterians are quick to say that we are “Reformed and always reforming.” What a crock!! The PCUSA and its churches would rather be like Hew (becoming bitter, while starving to death) than follow the Holy Spirit to the new cheese.

We all need to read the “Handwriting on the Wall.”