It is now mid-February and I am sure you had made a new years resolution. How is your progress going? Have you made any changes?
Well, I started with a plan...even tried executing it...and have failed epically! This blog has been one of my goals. To write the messages of God and post for the world; but, I have not been consistent :( My goal is to make drastic changes and choices in order to accomplish this. I will not fail!!! because I have God and his GRACE.
So, my Pastor mentioned a couple of Sundays ago the idea of "change".
Generally people do not like change because:
- Change has been known to have a bad reputation;
- Change distrupts our normal/familiar behaviors; and
- We are comfortable with our present/current circumstances.
1.to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone: to change one's name; to change one's opinion; to change the course of history.
2.to transform or convert (usually followed by into)
3.to substitute another or others for; exchange for something else, usually of the same kind: She changed her shoes when she got home from the office.
4.to give and take reciprocally; interchange: to change places with someone.
5.to transfer from one (conveyance) to another.
The Bible indicates that our understanding of change has been misconstrued. In fact, the Bible associates changes with a positive connotation.
Job 14:14
" If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come?"
Colossians 1:6 (NLT)
" This same good news that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God's wonderful grace."
Therefore, change is GOOD. It is essential to walk with Christ. We GOD cannot use us to accomplish his will if we remain the same. In order to change, we need to release our PAST.
We have to learn to walk in the "newness" of renewal.
The ABCs of Change
A-Agent
B-Behavior
C-Conversion
AGENT. Change requires an Agent. A change Agent. The change Agent that changes us to become Christians was and is Jesus Christ through the Word. The word of God is a change agent. If you are looking for change to manifest in your life, you have to allow the Word of God to change you. This comes through studying and meditating on the word of God.
BEHAVIOR. If you think you have changed and your behaviors have not changed , then you have not changed. In order for your behaviors to change, you must change your thinking patterns. Your thinking can be changed through the constant renewing of your minds (Romans 12:2). This should be done daily. You renew your minds through the Word of God.
CONVERSION. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of God. (Acts 3:19)
Keep in mind, the day that we accepted Christ into our lives we were changed at Day 1, when we accepted that he was Lord and Savior of the World. Our Spirit was changes. Now we must strive daily to change our Mind, Will, Emotions, and Body (Flesh) to be Christ-like. So, we are constantly striving as Christians to be like Christ.
