Yes! You Really Can ChangeSample

Why Do So Many Christians Change So Little?

We live in a semi-Christian culture in which a lot of people still go to church and sing a few songs, listen to a sermon, nod their heads in agreement, assume their agreement equals faith, and go home to live just as they did before—and just as their nonchurchgoing friends do. Does this sound familiar? 

It’s a passive kind of faith. It keeps people in touch with cultural Christianity, but it doesn’t change lives.

We also live in a society where many Christians have bought into the lie that we can be fulfilled with a little more money, a better job, kids who excel, nicer clothes, a remodeled house, a better car, and better vacations. Settling for worldly pursuits instead of walking with God prevents us from experiencing the transformation He offers.

Real fulfillment of our deepest desires comes in the context of a growing relationship with God and alignment with His will for our lives. This change comes in three phases: 

• Spiritual Birth. When we receive Jesus by faith as our Savior.
• Spiritual Maturity. When we grow in our learning and understanding of the character of Christ.
• Spiritual Reproduction. When we turn outward and serve others in the name of Jesus. 

The Bible doesn’t encourage us just to exercise more willpower and discipline, and hope for the best. It gives us an entirely new source of life, casts vision, and calls us into new experiences. Think of Paul, in Romans 12:2. He teaches us to renew our minds—to let God reshape our thinking, so that we can grow into the likeness of Christ. 

When you surrender to these three phases of spiritual growth, you will sense the Spirit of Jesus at work within you. As you allow Him to work, you will begin to see the lasting change in your life that you are longing for.

Reflection:

• Are you beginning to feel more hopeful about actually seeing change in your life?
• How is God speaking to you right now? What does He want to do in your life? 

Prayer: Father, help me see the picture of the person You are calling me to be. I am eager to explore Your promises of a radically new life.