Hmmm .., I wonder. Is 'it' an 'adjustment' or is this a 'paradigm shift'? Related... not the same. From a different perspective, what if we considered every word and action in our day as a ministry outreach - regardless of person, place, or activity - including our job? What if we thought of our lives in terms of service [a paradigm shift?, adjustment?] ... what kind of difference would this be? What if we actually could share our hearts? Challenged? Does this scripture speak to this issue, this wonderment?
"And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values
and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature
spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical
attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that
which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]."
[Romans 12:2]
When you study this verse you will be able to develop your definition based on the Word as to whether you view this verse as 'adjustment' or 'paradigm shift'. This verse not only tells us what not to do, but what we need to do and how to go about it, as well as the purpose.
I strongly believe in paradigm shifts and I suspect we engage in this more often than we realize. It doesn't always have to be painful. I do think we need to be aware so we're involved. Too often we seem to allow the 'situation' or people to subtly sway us one direction or another. That is not how we should live our lives in my opinion.
Back in 2018 I wrote:
"Our lives go through paradigm shifts often... sometimes so subtly that we
don't seem to realize. It is only when we look back from the vantage point of
passing time that we do see. Some of the shifts are defining moments in our
lives, some are due to events that have preempted the shift, and some seem
to be due to our own changes in thoughts, attitudes, and behavior. ...
It is undeniable that change always, always causes us to confront who we are,
where we are, and how we go about living in our now - another way for
understanding and coping with any challenge. ...
What is always helpful is to realize that a paradigm shift is a good thing. It's
meant to help us to grow, to develop, to become all we can in this life. ...
The 'anything' may be your attitude, your thinking. Paradigm shifts cause the
'new'. Not that the old was bad... unless we refuse to let yesterday be
yesterday and not move into today."
When you engage in growing, in learning this sometimes does end up with a paradigm shift. In these cases we really are the ones directing rather than having it imposed. A paradigm shift is concerned in maturing us, and with us actively involved. It typically brings further understanding, refinement on what we had thought.
Don't consider this a negative but as scripture warns us in 1 John 4: 1-6
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed
prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because
many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world." [v. 1]
We are told that we hear the leading, voice of our Shepherd (John 10:27) sod when we sense a check in our spirit we should always stop to follow the instructions from the Word. Caution rarely has to excuse itself because it is one of our defenses. But caution is not an excuse. But also, grant yourself some grace that when you are in error, you will be prompted to correct.
Whether it's an attitude adjustment or a more dramatic change - a paradigm shift. Look at them as tools to help you on your journey. Also realize that there are times you will make a mistake or believe a lie - but correction is always available and much preferred to disaster - defined as compounding the problem or error. Be bold. Be brave. It's you that can do the doing with the partnership of the Triune God.
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