In 2018 I was a mentor in a Change Makers program designed to educate, motivate, and inspire young adults within the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area. The program focused on social entrepreneurship as a means of creating change within your community. Social entrepreneurship is an approach or a process by individuals, groups, start-up companies or entrepreneurs, to develop, fund, and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues. The idea is to bring about change that has a positive impact on your community, society, or the world. We took a group of young adults to London and immersed ourselves in a unique social entrepreneurship program. The goal was to excite the young people about opportunities to become change-makers in their communities.

Change is hard, yet it seems to be the only constant in life, apart from God. Change requires work, but if it is a change for the better, then it is worth the work. There are many things that need to change. Feuds within the family-that needs to change. Rancor in our relationships-that needs to change. Division in our politics-that needs to change. Our attitude about the COVID vaccination-that needs to change. Discrimination within the nation-that needs to change. Fundamental disagreements within our church-that really needs to change! Change is hard but change is needed.

The question then becomes, “Who will bring about the change?” My answer is, “You and I.” There is a tendency to look to other people and places for the change we need. But the truth is, we must be the change we want to see. This means that you and I should do all we can to affect change, whether far or near. If there’s a feud in your family, do what you can to resolve it. If there’s rancor in your relationships, do your part to reverse that. If there’s division in our politics, do what you can to bridge the divide. If there’s discrimination within the nation, work to break barriers and build bridges. And if there are fundamental disagreements with the church—like we are experiencing in the United Methodist Church—then agree with the Bible and live accordingly. In every situation requiring change, be a change-maker by becoming a part of the solution, even if nothing gets resolved. As a change-maker, you are a positive force for good.

There are two types of change: Technical change and Adaptive change. Technical change is much easier, like replacing a bad light bulb. On the other hand, Adaptive change can be very difficult, because it usually requires a change of people’s attitudes and actions. But adaptive change can produce positive results that are long-lasting.

What needs changing in your life, your neighborhood, or your nation? What can you do about it? What have you done about it? What are you doing about it? Become a change-maker by fighting for what is right and good. Don’t worry about the outlook or the output; just make the effort. Your contribution can help bring about positive change. So, be a change-maker!

Wisdom for Your Week

Don’t worry about outlook or outcome, just give your input.