One of the ways God reveals His power and activity in the world is through the way He changes us. Think about these things: 1. Do you truly believe that people can change for the better? 2. Have you ever written someone off because of past mistakes? 3. Have you ever been tempted to give up on yourself? DO WE REALLY HAVE A CHOICE? In the book of Colossians 3:10, it says…. “You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you true knowledge of God.” For centuries, people have debated what makes a person who they are – are we born the way we are, or do we become this way through the things that happens to us? Some psychologists believe that everything a person does is determined by the shaping influences in their lives like parents, and experiences. Some go so far as to say that once a person is five, their personality is shaped and really can’t be changed. Other people think that we are primarily a product of genetics, that out behavior and attitudes follows from the way we are “wired.” Common expression of this idea would include: “I can’t help it, it’s just the way I was born”; or “a leopard change his spots”, or “the nut doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Though our genes and life experiences have a huge impact on us, aren’t you glad that there is a miraculous, powerful God who is able to change even the most stubborn, damaged, sinful heart? Apostle Paul goes so far as to says, “If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything made new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). After a change of heart at the moment of conversion, God isn’t finished with us, either. Paul says…. “We all show the Lord’s glory, and we are being changed to be like Him” (2 Corinthians 3:18). With grace, with faith, with the help of godly friends, we can say along with Paul: “Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to life above” (Philippians 3:13 – 14). Because of His forgiving, life-changing power, God’s ultimate concern with your life is not where you’ve been, but where you are going. Beloved, remember this step: Identify a new attitude or a new habit you want to develop in your life. Or, identify an old attitude or an old habit you want to eliminate from your life. Commit this change of heart to God and ask Him to do a special work in you. You might experience an instantaneous, miraculous change, or you might experience gradual growth and grace. Either way, your task is not to rely on your own strength, but to count on God to work in your life. Thank You, O God, for making us a new person through Your Son Jesus. May the good works that You have started in us will be completed for the glory of Your name.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:52:39 +0000
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