CHANGED! And Changing Still..Sample

Benefits Without Change

Key Thought

When I say I'm willing to change, what I'm really saying is ‘I want what change brings, but do I really have to make any changes to have what I want?’

Benefits are beautiful. Change is challenging!

Think of a new fitness routine. It's hard to get motivated, but we see the benefit others have reaped in their discipline, and we decide to give it a go. Changing the way we eat can be difficult. Changing routines to allow for exercise can be brutal. Exercise in itself is not the greatest friend for everyone.

How strange would it be to stop the discipline of exercise but still expect the results of what that discipline would have brought? The spiritual parallels to physical fitness are endless. The main point being, I should never expect to enjoy the benefits if I'm not willing to change my habits or routines. Benefits without change is a silly thought, but we fall into this trap all the time.

It's pretty simple. I just won't get any closer to God if I am not willing to spend time with Him. It's astonishing how eager we are at the beginning of our spiritual journey, only to quickly resort back to old mindsets and previously established ways of doing things.

Our old way of life never got us out of trouble. Nothing from the past has helped us connect with God. It's all because of Jesus.
A life surrendered to Jesus must stay surrendered to Jesus. Let's never go back to our old way of thinking or try to use who we used to be to take us forward to who God wants us to be.

Time To Think

What types of benefits do I really want without having to change? What areas of my relationship with God do I need to make sure I don't rely on the past?

Prayer

God, I need You more today than ever before. I never want to rely on my past to help me walk with You. Thank you for leading me and helping me become more like You. I really do want to change and become like You, and Your benefits far outweigh any changes I may have to make. I love you Jesus. Amen.