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You really can change—with full submission to Christ
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RELIGIOUSLYINCORRECT.org
Some people wrongly believe that people can't change their behavior.
They believe once a person's a murderer—he's always a murderer.
Once a person's a homosexual—he's always a homosexual.
Once a sexual pervert—always one. Once a person lacking self control—always that person...And the list goes on.
And sadly, in the vast majority of cases in our world—that's probably the case.
But it doesn't have to be the case.
The Bible tells us that—through the power of Christ—men have the capacity to truly change.
Or, more accurately, to be changed.
Men who fully commit to Him can undergo a truly miraculous transformation of spirit.
In fact—to be completely honest—all of us were in sin before we came to Christ (and even after coming to Christ, we sin).
Paul wrote:
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by
the Spirit of our God.
(1 Cor 6:11)
But this tremendous power to change any sin cannot be tapped without the power of Christ. The Bible says:
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
(John 16:33)
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
(Matt 19:26)
God can, and will, transform us
When a person sincerely and FULLY submits to the Lordship of Christ, he or she will undergo
an immediate transformation in some areas, and experience "transforming growth" in others.
This renewal takes place in the battleground of our minds.
Paul wrote:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
(Romans 12:2)
This "renewing of our minds" results in the removal of certain sins from our lives, and the incorporating of
certain qualities in their place.
Putting off the "old self"
When we became Christians, one of the first things we hopefully learned was the need to get rid of
our "old selves." (Ephesians 4:22-23)
This means ridding ourselves of the habits and lifestyles that are against God's will.
We may also need to
remove from our lives associations that are not helpful to our growth. In other words, it may be necessary
to discontinue old friendships ("Bad associations corrupt good morals"—1 Corinthians 15:33).
And if our careers conflict with the will of Christ, we'll also need to change these as well.
These early tests of faith are often more than many can pass.
Putting off the "old self" also involves removing the following actions from your life: sexual immorality (sex
outside of marriage including homosexuality), greed, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish
ambition, divisions, envy, drunkenness, obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, gossip, and things like
these. (Galatians 5:19-24; Ephesians 5:4-6)
Crucifying the "old self" is serious, because failure to do so means you "will not inherit the kingdom of
God." (Galatians 5:21)
In fact, the Bible states clearly that "God's wrath" is coming down on those who do
such things. (Ephesians 5:6)
It's hard to get much plainer, isn't it?
Therefore, we must change.
Putting on the "new self"
As a Christian, it's not enough for us to simply "stop doing bad things."
We must also "start doing good things"—per GOD's definition of "good," not man's.
This means developing a "Christian character" and getting our lives into good Christian habits (Bible study,
church attendance, etc).
Putting on the "new self" means developing the following characteristics: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and the like.
Learning "self-control" means controlling our bodies in every way to be pleasing to Christ.
Instead of allowing our bodies (and the desires of our minds) to control us,
we must—through Christ—learn to control them instead.
Self-control involves controlling our
entire physical beings to the will of Christ, including sexually, verbally, eating habits, thoughts, addiction to
alcohol and other drugs, etc.
There will be struggles, and Peter indicated that a war will ensue between the desires of the flesh and the
spirit (1 Peter 2:11).
When we put off the old self and put on the new self, we will be changed people, new creations (2 Cor 5:17).
Everyone will be able to
see the changes in our lives and actions.
And our continued growth and maturity in Christ will witness more change
as we are transformed to the likeness of our Lord.
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