One of the most complex issues we face in life is change.
Change always begins with a decision. In Luke 15, the Bible tells us that even the angels in heaven rejoice when one sinner repents of their sins.
Repentance carries with it the idea that I am not only sorry for my sin, but I am sorry enough to change. That kind of transformation is something money can’t buy. It is a change that people can’t legislate or mandate. It is a change that only God can bring.
It is up to you and me to decide to allow God to begin the inside-out transformation that he desires to bring into our lives. God does not force himself upon us. We get to decide for ourselves.
We individually determine if and when we are ready to choose a new path for our lives, and what a blessing to see positive life change in marriages, families and individual lives when that decision is made.
So why do people change anyway? What is the catalyst for coming out of the darkness and into the light as it is found in Jesus Christ? What does it take for real transformation to happen in our spiritual lives?
Deep and lasting change is often connected to a defining moment. Typically, there is a specific moment in time when a person determines that something must be different, and that’s when they choose a new path for their lives.
In Luke 15, there is a story of a father and son and a defining moment that changed everything. The prodigal son took off with his father’s money. He blew it all. He ended up friendless and penniless feeding pigs for a living.
But then, Luke 15:17 tells us that “He came to his senses.” After reflecting on the condition of his life, he must have begun asking himself some important questions. These are questions you might want to consider asking yourself.
These are the kind of questions that can initiate some dramatic changes in our lives. Questions like: Where is my life headed? Is this what I really want to do? Is this who I really want to be? Is the road I am traveling now going to take me where I want to be in the future?
Could the prodigal son have anticipated his future getting brighter if he stayed on the road that brought him to the pigpen? I doubt it. Think about how that question applies to your life. We’ll pick up there, next time…
You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].
