Change
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Do you like to change?
Most people don’t. Even behaviors and ways of thinking that we don’t like are difficult to remove because we don’t like to change. While most don’t like to change, the reasons for refusing to do so often vary. Why don’t you like change?
The two biggest reasons that people hate change are uncertainty and loss of control. These two things often work hand-in-hand. When things change you are not really sure of what it will be like now. In addition, change means that your control of the situation may change as well, and that can be scary.
How do you feel when things change?
We Resist Change
When things change or they appear like they are going to change, we resist. We fight against the change, not wanting things to be different.
Sadly, even when things will be beneficial for us if they change, we still resist them. For some, there is a lot of comfort that comes from pain and discomfort. They refuse to let it go, because this is all that they know. This is why they will live in addiction, shame, pain, hate, bitterness, and sickness. They have gotten so used to it that they don’t think that they can live any other way.
Do you find that you would rather endure struggles than seek to change?
If so, what do you think causes you to resist the change?
Seeking to Be Transformed
The Bible challenges us to change, especially when we are stuck in our sin nature. Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2: “1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This is a verse we have returned to a lot during the first 10 weeks. God is not only looking for you to change your way of thinking, but to be completely transformed in the way that you think. What do you think is the difference between change and transformation?
There is an important distinction between the two. Change occurs as a response to an external influence, while transformation is an internal adjustment in your beliefs, behaviors, or actions. You change because something or someone inspires you to do so. In addition, change usually occurs in a very limited way.
However, transformation goes beyond that. This is when you have a complete change of heart, changing many aspects in your thinking and actions. This is when things change dramatically from within.
God is not only looking for you to change your thinking, but to make adjustments in everything that you do and think to conform to the will of God.
Do you want to be transformed to be like God?
You Are Already a New Person!
Did you know that you are already a changed person?
The moment you accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, you were a new person. 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” In Christ, you are a completely new creation.
The problem is that we are not embracing that. We are not acting and thinking like people who understand that God has made us new. Do you find yourself struggling with these kinds of thoughts? Why do you think people find verses like 2 Corinthians 5:17 hard to believe?
God is already working in you. This is part of the reason why the Holy Spirit dwells within the believer – to act as a Counselor and Guide to help each believer to be transformed.
Seeing as God Does
During this block, you learned about sin. You learned that this is when we miss the mark of what God wants us to think and be. He wants to see you transformed. He wants you to have peace, love, patience, and goodness. He wants you to have freedom from your addiction. He wants you to see yourself as He sees you.
He also understands that change can be hard. It can be difficult to give up your behaviors and ways of thinking. With His help, you can do so.
So, are you ready to change?
What can you do to see that happen?
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© 2024 Dr. Robert Pannier, Hope CDA, All Rights Reserved
