Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Change - not by osmosis




Change is hard. And more importantly, change is hard work.

If you are reading this, and are thinking in any way that change isn't for you, then don't read any further. If you are reading this and you want to change, then click to read the full post.

I am glad that you decided to read a little more...

There are many people that want to change. They know that they need to change, and that is what they want to do, but they just don't know how to do it. Maybe they have even tried to change before and have failed. Maybe they have even failed many times. And maybe, they have given up.

But don't give up. God's desire for you is to change.

I would like to spend some time talking about the shortcomings that most people face when they truly attempt to change, and discuss what the Bible tells us about how to change. And believe it or not, the Bible does have something to say about life change. II Peter 1:3 says,

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

There is so much in this passage that it is hard to know where to begin. The next post that I do on change will begin with a breakdown of these two verses.

But for today, know that the Bible has what you need to know. It is the user's manual for human existence. But it isn't a "magic book" that you just rub on your head and *poof* you become a changed human being. And it isn't a "radioactive meteorite" either.

This is why Jesus, in talking about becoming a disciple, states, "take up your cross daily, and follow me." Taking up a cross doesn't sound easy, and taking it up daily sounds even more difficult. Change, true lasting change, only comes by hard work and discipline. But don't let this deter you. As Paul states in Phil. 1:6, "... it is God who works in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

If you are interested in change, then please come back so that I can share with you what little I have learned. Maybe, by the grace of God, it will be of some help to you.

2 comments:

  1. I just found your blog and wanted to let you know I appreciate what you're doing. Your word rests soundly on the Word, and I'm encouraged by what you have to say. I'll be returning often! (Your Atom feed is now sitting in my mail client.) Be well.

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  2. Thanks Michael. Your comment is very encouraging. (But you know us bloggers, we love comments!)

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