The Correct Change

Ok...a little play on words here. All of us have purchased something and had the cashier return to us incorrect change, whether too much or too little. It causes problems on both ends. For the merchant it will be impossible to balance b/c the cash drawer will either be an overage or a shortage. For the person receiving the incorrect change...if it was a shortage to them, they are due some refund...or it they were given too much, assuming they are honest and catch the mistake, they have the hassle of returning the money. Let me tell you now about the importance of correct change in another sense.

Change....and not the kind that jingles in your pocket...happens to us all. There are changes of every size and sort on virtually every level of life. Changes happen in our jobs, our relationships, our churches, our government and on and on. Let's focus on the change of relationship which, in effect, affects each of these aforementioned areas. When relationships change, it is sometimes for the better but is most often, and most notable, when it is for the worse. It is at these moments of change when we often render 'incorrect change'. Let's take a look at how we most often make mistakes during relational transitions.

1. Blame Game: Almost without exception change occurs with someone pointing fingers, and perhaps rightfully so. Yet, it is rare that transitional experiences happen with a fair hearing from both sides. Fair says, "Most likely both sides have some egg on their face." To blame one for it all is wrong 99.9% of the time. Usually those wanting to blame, never take a good look in the mirror. Heaping blame up so high concerning others, so that you can hide your own mistakes is not really dealing with the problem at hand. This is incorrect change.

2. Sidestepping: To sidestep is to avert attention from what is really going on to something else. In marriages often a mate wanting out because of their own selfish reasons will not address those reasons, but instead speak of how terrible the other person talks to them, keeps house, will not provide, watches too much sports, leaves their socks in the floor....etc. I learned something from a wise man. In disputes, the 'issue' is never the real issue. It is akin to building a 'bigger fire' so the little fire, the one that is really the problem is overlooked or seems insignificant. This is incorrect change.

3. Secret Agency: Any transitional experience that is not accomplished under the light of due process is suspect. Meetings formulated on a one on one, "don't tell anyone but..." situations are dangerous. Lies multiply in rapid succession in a dark environment, like mold in the basement. Correct change is change that is properly discussed, faced before righteous accountability and moved forward in and orderly sequence.

4. Avoidance: Finally, for one to completely ignore their wrong-doing is tantamount to deceit. When we 'confess' our sins we find forgiveness. For us to hide our sins, as Achan did when he stole the gold & garments of Babylon, we risk a continual, systemic infection of bitterness and strife. I've seen it destroy people from the inside out. Like a cancer on the inside, one can only act like it doesn't exist for so long. Then one day....your color changes, your strength fails and your sickness takes over.

Be reminded that those who are willing to move ahead with correct and righteous motives, actions and processes will be given...correct change. Those who don't, will suffer the consequences. If you discover incorrect change....walk back into the 'store' and square it up. You will sleep better tonight.