The Human Desire for Change
In 1968, John Lennon and The Beatles released the song “Revolution,” with the lyrics, “We all wanna change the world.” This idea highlights the universal quest for seeking change in an unchanging world—a thought-provoking generalization that resonates deeply. While not universally true for everyone, there are deep-seated reasons why many people feel driven to make a difference. For some, any change is viewed as progress for humanity, regardless of outcomes.
Seeking Change: The Perspective from Ecclesiastes
In contrast, Ecclesiastes 1:9 (CJB) offers a different viewpoint: “What has been is what will be, what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” This verse implies that human nature remains consistent, with people continually seeking answers in pursuits that may not provide lasting satisfaction. What, then, does bring satisfaction?
The Dual Nature of Satisfaction
Satisfaction is not found only in truth, though it is deeply connected to it. Without truth, satisfaction can be fleeting, providing only temporary fulfillment. This concept aligns with the saying, “Ignorance is bliss,” contrasting long-term fulfillment with short-term contentment. The pursuit of satisfaction, whether grounded in truth or not, raises questions about the nature of true contentment in seeking change.
Relativism and Seeking Change in the Modern World
Relativism, particularly moral and cultural relativism, has gained significant acceptance in modern academic, social, and cultural contexts. Yet, it remains a debated and nuanced topic. Critics argue that if all truths are relative, then the statement “all truths are relative” cannot be an absolute truth, creating a paradox. This issue questions the logical consistency of relativism and highlights potential moral ambiguity. For example, human rights advocates often challenge relativism when it justifies practices that violate basic human dignity.
Objective Truth in Science and Mathematics
In fields such as science, mathematics, and logic, the concept of objective truth is still largely upheld. Many believe that certain truths exist independently of human perception, standing in stark contrast to relativism. While science evolves through new discoveries and refinements, it does so through rigorous development and consensus. Unlike social or political beliefs, mathematics remains based on logical consistency, formal proofs, and repetitive testing. This adherence to logical principles underscores that mathematics cannot be changed by popular opinion.
Biblical References to an Unchanging God
A powerful contrast to humanity’s desire for seeking change in an unchanging world is found in the Bible. Psalm 55:19 (NIV) states, “God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change—He will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.” This theme is reinforced in Malachi 3:6 (NIV): “I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”
The New Testament echoes this idea in Hebrews 13:8 (NIV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Similarly, James 1:17 (NIV) states, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” If God the Father and Yeshua/Jesus are unchanging, why do humans seek to change themselves and the world around them?
The Human Drive for Seeking Change
While God’s nature is unchanging and perfect, the human desire for seeking change reflects humanity’s imperfection, search for meaning, drive for improvement, and creative potential. This dynamic allows humans to grow, adapt, and align with divine qualities. The quest for change may stem from an innate longing for completeness and a connection to the divine, ultimately seeking fulfillment and truth found in God.
Seeking Change Through Love: The Ultimate Answer
Perhaps John Lennon and The Beatles provided an answer to the question of change in their song “All You Need Is Love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) clarifies, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” God’s love provides each of us with shelter as we seek change in an unchanging world.
1 John 4:8 (NIV) states, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Similarly, 1 John 4:16 (NIV) reinforces, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
Reconciling God’s Love with His Judgment
If God is love, how can we reconcile this with Genesis 6:5-7 (NIV)? “The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the LORD said, ‘I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them, the animals, the birds, and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.’”
The Great Flood illustrates that God, while loving, is also just. His judgment of evil underscores His commitment to moral order. Even today, evidence of the flood, such as remnants of sea life on mountain tops, serves as a reminder of this event. Scripture warns that a future judgment, if necessary, will come not by water but by fire.
Universal Laws and Human Responsibility
God, the creator of all life, has set universal laws governing everything from the smallest subatomic particles to the vastest galaxies. Humanity has discovered many of these laws through mathematics. The rapid rate of change in today’s world reflects humanity’s search for fulfillment—whether in alignment with God’s commandments or not.
A Final Reflection
If we witness genuine love and kindness spreading across the world, we can be assured that God’s love will carry humanity forward. However, if selfishness, greed, envy, idolatry, corruption, and sin continue to grow, it may signal that the time of a great second judgment is approaching. Humanity’s pursuit of change must align with divine truth to find lasting satisfaction and fulfillment.