Perhaps the announcement that Mr. Lawrence Wong would take over as prime minister on 15 May 2024 came as little surprise to most Singaporeans. After all, PM Lee Hsien Loong had earlier given the deadline of November 2024 for the handover, and Singaporeans had long knew that Mr. Wong had been earmarked for the top job.

Do Singaporeans, I wonder, think it’s too early? Or do they feel it’s overdue?

I’ve heard various comments, observations, and criticism either way, and concluded: Depending on their personal assessment and opinion of the state of politics in Singapore, different people feel very differently (and in some cases, very strongly!) about the timeline.

Despite the differences however, most can agree—it’s never a good time.

But that’s probably true of how we feel about most changes, isn’t it?

At some level, we desire change—in our jobs, our families, our lives, our neighbourhoods, our country. We want things to be improved, but when it happens and when it (inevitably) involves some inconvenience and pain, we baulk. “We need change, but do we need it now?” we might wonder.

We might even lament the change, and wish for “the good old times”—forgetting that those times were far from perfect to begin with.

But change will almost always be uncomfortable. Muscles need to be stretched before they can grow. Discipline often hurts before we learn from mistakes. Old and outdated systems and ways need to be taken down before new ones can be installed, and it takes time to get used to them.

Hebrews 12:11 puts this truth starkly, while also reminding us that the reward is worth the pain involved. Speaking of the changes that God makes in our lives to transform us to be more Christlike and holy, it declares: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

But does that mean we can only be passive players when faced with changes? I don’t think so.

I believe that in many situations, we can play an active part in change. We can embrace it such that we learn or even benefit from it. Or, at the very least, we can respond in a way that allows God’s work of transformation in our lives, such as learning patience, resilience, and compassion for others. We can change our perspective and learn to see things from God’s eyes. And we can see how we can be a faithful part of His plans amid change, for ultimately, we know that nothing happens without God’s permission and purpose.

There probably is never a “good” time for change, but we can learn to derive good from change.

And what of political change? I think we can be a part of this, too. There are more ways and avenues these days to play an active role in citizenry, such as contributing feedback and ideas on the country’s plans and policies, or supporting social causes and campaigns that we believe in.

Even if we as fellow Christians may not always fall on the same side politically, may we always be guided by Jesus’ call to us to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16)—to show and represent God’s love, righteousness, and holiness through our words and actions. Whatever we do, may we fulfil His instruction to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (v. 16).

Father, open my eyes to see what You are doing in Singapore and in my own life, and show me what I can do to be salt and light to others, so as to bring glory to Your name.