Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions this past January? Are they still going or have you given up on them? The Apostle Paul talks about what our attitudes should be.
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
2 Corinthians 5:16
That includes how we look at ourselves. We can’t see ourselves from a worldly perspective. We need to see ourselves in Christ.
A number of years ago I read a book called Changeology by John Norcross, Ph.D. He talked about some myths we’ve bought into about change. I’ve noticed them in the lives of many believers, so I’m adapting them for this blog.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
As Christians, our faith is in Christ as the agent of change, making us more like Him. We can’t afford to buy into the lie that change is beyond our grasp. Have you listened to the enemy’s deception in this area?
“I can’t change on my own.” This one is partly true. If you take God out of the equation, then change is a lot tougher. But the simple fact is that you have to start the ball rolling. It all begins with your decision to change; then God has your permission to act on your behalf.
“I can only make insignificant changes.” The deception in this is that no change is ever insignificant. Sometimes the smallest change has the greatest effect. On the side of a mountain, the smallest gust of wind can start a huge avalanche. If God can change something small in your life, then you can trust Him for something greater.
“I don’t have enough willpower to change.” It’s not about willpower, it’s about faith. Willpower places trust in yourself to do the work. You need to put your expectation in the power of the Holy Spirit working in you. The simple fact is that your flesh will never change itself. Time in God’s presence is the most effective means to see God’s hand upon your life.
“I can’t change who I am.” The Scripture above exposes this fallacy. In Christ, your past never determines your future. Personality, family traits, and even bad habits are not outside the power of God. The Lord can heal hurts and bitterness of the past. You need to open your heart to the Great Physician to do the work that only He can do.
“I’ve tried to change in the past and failed at it.” The Bible is clear that we might experience failure in our lives. The key is to not wallow in it. You may fall, but keep getting up. Perseverance is the key to victory. One great success will wipe out all the sadness of past mistakes. Let God strengthen your heart for the path ahead.
Maybe you’ve fallen victim to one of these insidious attitudes. If so, then it’s time to lay them down and choose the path to your destiny in Christ. Decide today to yield to the Holy Spirit’s power. Let Him work with you as you walk step by step to your high calling in the Lord.
Questions: What do you want to change in your life? How can you allow God to be a part of this process?
© 2020 Nick Zaccardi