Changes We Must Make (Part 2)

Spiritual change is a process that starts on the inside and not the outside.  (Tweet this) Too often people get this just the opposite.  They attempt to change the outside or external parts of their lives only to be frustrated because it doesn't last.  Lasting change will only occur if the change begins on the inside. The reason this is true, is because your thinking controls most of your decisions and your choices. I am going to share with you five truths about change that will help you understand how change works and some of the keys to change.

Four Unchangeable's

1. Other people -- No matter how hard you try, you cannot change someone else.  You may have the ability to "influence" them, but ultimately they will do what they want to do.  The only person you can change is yourself.
2. Your race -- God made you the race and ethnicity you are.  It is important that you accept that because you cannot change it.
3. Your gender -- God also made you the gender you are.  Now I understand that "modern" medicine can "surgically" change people but that doesn't change who God made you to be.
4. God's will -- God has a will for you and you cannot change it.

Learn To Love Change

A person with a rebellious, stagnant spirit reacts negatively when confronted with the truth about themselves.  That's why the Bible instructs us to not correct a "scorner" or "mocker" (Proverbs 9:8). But correcting or instructing a "wise" man is profitable to them, because they will listen and they will learn to love making productive changes in their life.

Don't Be Afraid Of Change

Most people will agree that change of any kind is usually "uncomfortable."  Almost anything we do that is different creates feelings of mixed emotions.  But when it is God who is directing the change, you will find peace in the midst of the change.  Don't allow the devil to plague you with fear and keep you from God's best.

Make The Word Your Final Authority

Deception will always lead you down the wrong path and the deceived person has convinced themselves that they are smarter than God.  But when you are deceived, you will be led astray.  Don't base what you "believe is true" on your own thinking, but base what you believe is true on the Word of God.

Five Keys To Change

1. Plant different seeds.  If you aren't happy with where you are in your life, then you will have to do something different.  That means planting different seeds than you have been planting.  It is certain, that we reap what we sow.
2. Develop new relationships.  Begin to reach out to others who will support and reinforce the changes you are making.
3. Get in church and learn to walk with God.
4. Change the way your think, and you will change the way you live. Tweet this
5. Practice thinking and meditating on new thoughts you've received from reading and studying the Bible.

A good example of making changes can be found in this post on "Morbid Obesity." 

I pray you are ready to make the changes God is stirring you to make.  

-- Pastor Temple