Change always means adjusting to what’s uncomfortable. All change, even for the good, is upsetting.

It is a big responsibility to be well. There is a story in the New Testament where Jesus heals a man possessed by a legion of demons who, when facing expulsion by Jesus, ask to be sent into a herd of 2,000 pigs. Jesus grants their request and the whole herd rushes headlong into the sea and drowns. You might think the town would be happy to be rid of this menacing madman, but that’s not the case.

“A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, but they were frightened when they saw the man who had been demon possessed, for he was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane. Those who had seen what happened to the man and to the pigs told everyone about it, and the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.” (Mark 5:15-17)

Although at first it sounds odd that they would want Jesus to go away after healing someone, I don’t have to think very far past my own dysfunctions to understand this. The demon-possessed guy belongs in the graveyard, screaming, breaking his chains, and terrorizing the neighborhood. And the pigs belong on the hillside gently grazing. This is definitely a codependent town, comfortable with its accepted blend of sickness and tranquility.

Until Jesus comes and messes everything up.

Are you refusing to let Jesus into some area of your life because you know he’s going to want to touch some things that you would prefer he left alone? There’s a responsibility to being well. Being well might mean we lose our excuses for not doing more.

So what will it be: the challenge of change, or send Jesus away?