CHANGE FROM WITHIN

If you are like many Christians that are in love with God, then there are probably some areas in your life that need internal changing. These can be emotional, or spiritual. There may be something in scripture that you found not in line with your life style. We all have had issues with this same problem. What have you tried on your own to eliminate the problem?

If you are like me, I have tried to change myself. This has only produced anger and frustration with no real improvement. There are many self-help books on the market, some may even be beneficial for a short term gain.

Another course of action, we all have tried is, Will Power. You know the one that says, “I can do this on my own”. I have been acquainted with some of these approaches and still had not changed into the image of Christ. What was I doing wrong? That answer was quite easy. I was trying to do the changing in my own strength. If you can relate to this problem the answer is in the scriptures.

The Lord God made provisions for us to live a holy life on earth, the difference is we don’t do the changing, the Holy Spirit works in us. Notice the wording in 2 Corinthians 3:18:

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord”.

This verse plainly says, we are changed from glory to glory into the image of Christ. God’s, Holy spirit is the only one that can change us from the inside out. Scripture calls this “Sanctification”. This sanctification must be pursued by the believer, earnestly and diligently.

There is another aspect to being sanctified and that is the Word of God. We are clearly told in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” To be continually in the Word means, you will have good success. Through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, we can mortify the deeds of the flesh, as described in Romans 8:13:

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live”.

We are being continually changed every day as we put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13:14. In conclusion, let the Holy Spirit do His work in you. Pray that He would reveal those areas that you so desperately want changed. Read and study the Word daily to show yourself approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. We are a work in progress and God will finish what He started. Don’t quit. Let the Holy Spirit lead, and give you His peace.

Blessings to you in Jesus’ name!

Al S.