Does God really not change?

One of the attributes assigned to God is that he does not change. I say, write, assigned for the verses used to support this idea are a little vague. We know that God changes his mind, at least if we take scripture seriously. I think the unchanging nature of God is his love for us. God is not fickle, he doesn’t love me less when I mess up. (Let me tell that is incredibly relieving.)

            Most often I hear the claim that God does not change is when people want to win an argument. Generally, this argument has to do with me agreeing with them on who is or isn’t in the “Cool Kid’s Club.” It is also used in trying to get me to do what they want, which is usually excluding those people who they think God doesn’t love.

            In principle I agree with them. I don’t think God changes, I think he is the same today as he was yesterday, and he will be the same tomorrow. But, my understanding of God reflects Paul’s comment, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” (1 Cor 13.11) God does not change, I change.

            I liken this to one of my favourite road trips. I love the drive up to and past Yexyexéscen (Striped Rock aka Mr. Robson). If you have never done this trip, I would suggest that you do. If you can do it on a motorcycle even better, a convertible might do. I think it is best viewed without a frame and screen. As I approach Striped Rock it gets larger, and more magnificent. As I start to drive by it, I see different sides of it. Then, as I move past it the view of it changes yet again.          As I have journeyed through faith, with some very interesting detours, my understanding of God has changed. God hasn’t. What is required of me has become simpler, not easier. Within this simplicity has come a more profound realization of his love and grace for us. The only way to experience this is to not stop.

            If I stopped on the road to Striped Rock I would not experience the fullness of its grandeur. If I had settled for my understanding of God and not continued the pursuit, I doubt that I would be Christian these days. We need to allow the love of God to be more compelling that our fear of changing our understanding. I believe whole heartedly, that when we pursue God, our missteps are but just interesting detours. We need to understand that his message does not change, the context of our lives is what changes.

Anyway, that is my opinion.