The Reliable Pattern for Change

“What we see around us today of the “usual” Christian life could easily make us think that spiritual transformation is simply impossible. It is now common for Christian leaders themselves to complain about how little real-life difference there is between professing, or even actual Christians, on the one hand, and non-Christians on the other." - Dallas Willard, excerpted from Renovation of the Heart 

“They will never change.” The more we hear it, the more we begin to believe it. This tragic and untrue way of thought is detrimental to a confident ongoing relationship to Jesus. 

In the life of faith, there are many unfortunate examples of Christian leaders, and Christians in general, who do not live in obedience to the teaching of Jesus. But—as you can count on the seasons to change and a caterpillar to morph into a butterfly—by following Jesus, we can rely on God to provide all the necessary resources to dive deeply into life in the Kingdom of God.

 As Dallas Willard mentions, the journey in spiritual transformation requires our “efforts be based on understanding,” and we must understand the necessary avenues God has given us, mainly, Jesus and his teachings. 

In Romans 4, you’ll see that Abraham, for his faith, was credited by God with righteousness (v.3), and was fully convinced that God was able to do what he promised (v.21). His actions were based on that vision.  God gives the grace and everything necessary for change in his Kingdom. For our participation, we must ask God to provide the Vision to see why Jesus is good for us, have the Intention to make a decision to follow Him daily, and acknowledge the Means already in place to carry out the good thing of following Jesus. This V-I-M pattern is a reliable path to positive change.

Abraham trusted in the resources and promises of God and acted accordingly, and Abraham became the father of many nations (v. 17). We are also invited to follow the reliable pattern for being changed daily into Christlikeness.

Reflection

Do I see following Jesus as a good thing? Why?

Prayer

O God, we make life exceptionally hard. In the ins-and-outs of daily life, help us to see why choosing to follow you is good and beautiful, as we surrender our steps to you along the way. Amen.