I was chatting to my eldest daughter yesterday, and she said something that stuck in my mind that I also believe to be true. It was that people can change.
I think God has put all around us the reminder that people can change. Look at the seasons; we go from summer to autumn, autumn to winter, winter to spring, and spring to summer.
Each season brings change (some more noticeable than others, depending on where you live). Or how we can change immensely visually, both as we age and when we choose to eat differently, exercise, or learn to relax and enjoy life more. If those sorts of visual and external changes are possible, then it stands to reason that we can also change internally.
A key, however, to lasting transformational change is knowing that "change in life is inevitable, but growth is optional." (John Maxwell) We change - it's going to happen, but the important thing to remember is as you change, focus on growth and becoming the best you can be every day.
The Bible is all about how we can change. Romans 12:1-2 says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Another translation says it this way….
"So, here's what I want you to do; Take your everyday life – your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognise what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:1-2 MSG)
The whole point of what Jesus did for us in coming to die to lift off the burden and consequences of our mess up's and hurts ad disappointment was so that we could change and be transformed into the best version of ourselves – who we were created to be.
Albert Einstein said, "The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.".
You can change, but the change and transformation which is truest and most powerful are when you are transformed from the inside out – allowing Jesus' words and ways to be at the forefront of your heart and mind so that what he says about your life is what sets your course, rather than other's opinion or the world's.
Today I encourage you to spend some time with Jesus. He'll start to show you Himself, and seeing him, you will also understand who you are.
"Nothing paralyses our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines the outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory."(W. Wiersbe)
Open His Word and find out what He says about your life. Ask for his forgiveness, receive the clean slate he offers and listen to his dreams and thoughts toward you. As you do that every day, you will be changed from the inside out, and you, your reactions a,nd the things that matter will start to change as you seek Him first in all you do. He has an amazing plan and is always seeking to meld and shape you into the best you can be, with a life that far surpasses anything you could dream of…let him work in and through you, and you will discover that for yourself.
People can and do change, and you can too.
"We are the clay, and you are the potter, and all of us are the work of Your hand." (Isaiah 64-8)
"Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun." (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it. I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your transforming power at work within me. Please help me focus on who and what you say about my life and align my heart and will with what you are doing, so that I am being transformed into the best version of myself daily. In Jesus' name. Amen