Real Change IS Possible
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One of the things that scripture makes clear to believers in Christ is that God demands real change in the personal character of individuals of faith. God calls us to a process of lifetime character development, and change is inherent in that process. So to be obedient to God’s call, we must learn the essentials of what makes real change possible.
Not mastering these essentials of real change is causing the body of Christ much frustration in falling short of living the life God designed us for and called us to. In the scripture God calls for the believer to be transformed; “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good and pleasing will (NIV Romans 12:2).
The route to a transformed character in Christ is not easy, but real change is possible, and once you begin this transformation something unexpected and wonderful occurs. It’s not about relief, it’s about change. This journey is not about how to feel better now, but rather it deals with the transformation of character. As we begin this journey, a hint of one’s substance develops and a glimpse of what it means to be alive awakens the soul.
Three Steps That Make Real Change Possible:
1. Internalize: You must make it personal and subjective by turning inward to take an honest look at your attitudes, beliefs, and values, while learning to listen to your inner wisdom from God. It requires self-reflection to determine where you are in your process of character development, and where you need to be. You know things about yourself that no one else could ever imagine. The thoughts, fantasies, and things you do in private, things that make you feel ashamed. You know when things are not as they should be, when something is wrong.
This above all - to thine own self be true. – Hamlet
God has given us spiritual wisdom and when we listen to our inner wisdom we know when we are conforming to the pattern of this world and when we are being renewed by the transforming of our mind. Our character will begin to change when we change our inner thoughts, feelings and attitudes. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life to put off your old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desire; to be made new in the attitude of your minds. Put on the new self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
2. Visualize: Or dynamic imaging, you must see yourself living the life God designed and called you to live. Once you began to see your character and yourself differently you will realize that an image vividly conceived and stubbornly held has a reality of its own. In imaging, one does not merely think about a hoped for goal, one ‘sees’ or visualizes it with tremendous intensity, reinforced by faith and prayer.
Imaging, the forming of mental pictures or images, is based on the principle that there is a deep tendency in human nature to ultimately become precisely like that which we imagine ourselves as being. “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions (Joel 2:28)”.
3. Mobilize: TALK IS CHEAP! Nothing happens until you take action. To be successful at character transformation, you have to do what successful people do. Successful people are highly action oriented. Here are some actions you can take.
· Do things that raise your consciousness. Increase your knowledge of self and scripture.
· Choose to commit and once you choose to change, accept responsibility for changing. This responsibility is the burden of commitment, it is an acknowledgement that you are the only one who is able to respond, speak and act for yourself.
· Cultivate helping relationships; you will need the care, support and assistance of significant people in your life. You can’t go it alone! Get someone who is skilled as a helper and be extremely careful in your choice.
· Counter bad habits with good habits; develop the habit of thinking good thought.
From the Pen of Pastor Bright
Don Bright
Pastor/Counselor and Teacher
214-995-4550
