Status Quo

Status quo. 

The status quo is an interesting thing. Its definition is simply, "the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues." Maintaining the status quo seems to be important. Don't rock the boat becomes the mantra of those who like the comfort of the familiar. 

Is that really so bad?  Things that are tried and true seem to have value. Going along with what "everyone" else is doing appears to keep things running smoothly. Except that maybe sometimes it's more valuable  to shake things up a little, and question the status quo. 

Dr. Phil Johnson has written a book entitled Lead Like a Heretic: How to Challenge the Status Quo and Thrive. Usually when I think of the word heretic it is in a negative connotation regarding religion. After all didn't they burn heretics at the stake? 

Except interestingly enough, the word has its roots in Greek, and basically means, "able to choose." Johnson defines it as, " holding an opinion at odds with what is generally accepted." If we look toward history we can find many "heretics" who have become our heroes, and have helped shape the future. 

Robert Kennedy's famous words expressed this perfectly when he said, "I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" Perhaps there should be a little heretic in us all.