Change is fascinating. There’s a whole scientific literature on change: psychologists love that kind of stuff. And don’t we all want to change in some way?
Call it transformation if you want, but the basic message of the gospel is one of change. God promised to change out our stony heart for one of flesh: the original heart transplant! (See Eze 36:26). We are told His Holy Spirit is changing us into the likeness of Christ. (See 2 Cor 3:18). Is that happening for you?
I know I’m not the same person I was some fifteen or twenty years ago. I grew up a very troubled young woman in a very troubled family. I spent quite a few years as a “basket case.” Today I’m incredibly happy, married, and professionally and personally successful. I’m sure no one who knows me now would call me troubled or a basket case!
Something changed. I changed. My core DNA is different. What goes on in my mind when I see someone, or when I face a problem, is different. And that’s a good thing.
Perhaps you’ve heard this illustration before: how do you know what’s inside a toothpaste tube? You only REALLY know when you squeeze it. It’s the same way with us. We only really know what’s inside us when we get squeezed! (And by the way, that’s when others can see what’s really inside us as well.)
We all know Christians who sound good and look good on Sunday morning, but when squeezed something very different leaks out. They are miserable, and miserable to be around. After thirty years in church they are sour and bitter, but apparently no more Christlike. How can this be? What makes the difference?
I’d like to know from your own experience what changes you. Does something different leak out when you’re squeezed today than in the past? If someone who knew you “back then” met you now, would they be able to tell you are different? How would they know? How do YOU know you’ve changed?
And if there is something different about you, what made that happen? How was God involved in that change? What did you do in the process? What does “cooperating with God” look like in your life?
I’d really love to hear from you. If some of you respond, I’ll gather your comments and put them in a blog post about a week from now. Perhaps your comment will be helpful to someone else. Let’s help each other find what works!
Your turn: What changes you? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Or if you’d prefer to send a confidential message, you can send it to me here.
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