The greatest situation that I have ever observed that dealt with change was a change that took place almost 2000 years ago. When we read the Acts of the Apostles, it is most interesting to put yourself in the situation and think of how hard it must have been for Peter, the chief apostle, to lead the greatest change in history. The change from Jewish beliefs and doctrines to the beliefs of the early Christian church. Although the record of this change is limited to the brief descriptions in Acts, I find it interesting to analyze the process by which the change occurred. Prior to Peter's revelation on the acceptance of gentiles right into the Christian church by means of seeing the sheet of unclean animals (Acts 10), the practice of the Christian church was to have the individual first convert to Judaism and then to convert to Christianity. What a change would that have been like? When I was a missionary it would have been tough to tell an investigator that they needed to join another church and then we could take them into our church. That is a major change that would be difficult to lead through. However, things seem to go fairly well as far as we can tell. Peter, first and foremost a prophet of God who had received a revelation that this was to be the will and mind of the Lord (Acts 10), but he also did many great things when in council with other church leaders at Jerusalem. In a great oratory act, Peter gives a great discourse (Acts 15: 7-11)that convinces many of his brethren that the right thing to do is to accept the Gentiles into the church. Following the discourse, Peter gave the floor over to his brethren and had them give their opinions and experiences on the situation (Acts 15:12-33). This is a great tactic that when change is taking place, we turn to those who have experience with the change that is taking place. Organizationally the greatest thing that motivates individuals is to open their perception to others and allow them the opportunity to speak their mind. From this point, a consensus was taken and that consensus lifted the change to the church and the world.
Discovery Statement #1- As I was asked to use my weak hand, I was frustrated that I was not better at being able to write with my left hand. I had a greater desire to focus on my weakness and become better so that this weakness was no longer a hindrance to my ability to perform in the future.
Discovery Statement#2- I was quite impressed with how my picture turned out, but I was frustrated that I was not more comfortable in being able to adjust to the situation. Because of this frustration I was determined to work at a higher proficiency that when change comes in the future my work will be done and I will be comfortable with the work that I have completed.
Discovery Statement #3- I found myself lacking in trusting others when they asked or assisted me in trying to complete the course, some of this dealt with prejudice but mostly dealt with the inability for myself to do everything. This exposed one of my weaknesses and helped me to understand that I need others to accomplish great tasks.
I learned from these statements that my attitude seems to warrant a desire to be good at everything including change and I was taught that if I wanted to truly be able to accomplish such tasks in change I would need to prepare for change before it happens. This is done by focusing primarily on the possibility for change and that this possibility for change is enough to prepare for it. Of course you cannot prepare for all things, but you can rely on others to help you be able to accomplish that change in the future. I hope that through these exercises that I will have a greater desire to use my time to develop these skills and look forward to the future and the tasks I may be asked to perform.
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