“That’s just the way I am. I can’t help it. I can’t change.”
Ever heard those words? Have you said them? Do you feel that way?
Probably not you, but some people use those words to justify unacceptable behavior. They realize their behavior is inappropriate, but try to absolve themselves of any responsibility for it.
The problem is that attitude is not Biblical…at least not for the believer. One of the most obvious indications of a relationship with Jesus is a changed life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 teaches that we are made new in Christ. Old things begin to fade away and new things begin to emerge.
Why Some Never Change
God’s purpose for us is to reshape us to be more like Jesus. (Romans 8:29) So if that’s God’s purpose, then why do we try to excuse a “less-than-Jesus-us”?
- They see no need to change. Some people think they are fine the way they are. We have grown so accustomed to mediocrity that we neither expect nor challenge ourselves to improve.
- Change is difficult. Technically, change is easy; it happens without any effort on our part. But the results of change sometimes are hard to accept. Leadership guru John Maxwell says, “change is inevitable, but growth is optional.” Some people resist change because they do not want something new.
- They do not know how to change. Some would love a 2.0 version of themselves, but they do not know where to turn to find that update. They feel safer with their current selves than what they fear may result if they try to change.
When Can Change Occur?
In order for change to take place, we must come to terms with three realities.
- We need to change. No change will ever take place until we recognize that who we are is not the best us.
- We desire change. Life Coach Tony Robbins observes, “Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.” We will never change for the better until we want to become better.
- We submit to the Great Changer. There are many places we can turn that promise to help us change. But only God can change us into the person He created us to be.
So How Can I Change for the Better?
You see the need to change and the benefit of change. Additionally, you recognize that only God can produce the kind of change in you that you need. How can you experience the change that He wants to accomplish in you? Renew these practices every day and slowly but surely God will transform you into who He created you to be.
- Admit to God your need to change.
Any lasting and beneficial change in us will come only through the work of the Holy Spirit. Theologically, we call this sanctification. Sanctification is the work of God changing us from who we are to who He wants us to be.
- Commit to the daily spiritual disciplines of Bible reading and prayer.
Peter challenges us to desire God’s Word like a newborn child desires milk. (1 Peter 2:2) Through prayer, we talk to God; and through His Word God talks to us. The purpose of the dialogue is to transform us into someone who looks a more and more like Jesus.
- Choose to renew your desire to change each day.
The devil will do all in his power to derail your change. He loves you just that way you are…and wants you to STAY that way. But God loves you just the way you are…but wants to make you more like Jesus. Remind yourself daily that you need to submit to the Holy Spirit’s work through God’s Word and prayer.
Yes, you are the way you are. And yes, you can’t help it. But God can. He can and wants to make you a new creation in Jesus.
What is the FIRST STEP you will take today toward letting God create a You 2.0?