Change is inevitable.

Change happens whether we want it to or not.  How we handle change says a lot about our character.  Many of us resist change, while others embrace it.  Those that resist can appear to be set in their ways and stubborn.  Those that embrace change are seemingly flexible and adaptable.  Resisting change makes for a very miserable existence.  Resisting change causes bitterness and anger, toward those who are excited about the changes that are happening.  I want to share three principles from the scriptures concerning change.

Change is the result of sacrifice.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”  (Romans 12:1)

In order to be changed into the image of Christ Jesus we should be willing to present our bodies as a living sacrifice.  Accepting the challenge to let go of our desires leads to change.  We want to be different but we are not willing to make the sacrifice.  Sacrifice is hard; it hurts and does not feel good.  Even in the natural, change calls for sacrifice.  Usually that sacrifice is letting go of my way, my ideas and allowing something new to enter into my life.  Sacrifice is to give up something valuable for something that has more value.  Think about it.  To be holy and acceptable  unto God is worth more than we will ever know, while living on this earth.

Change is the result of submission.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Submit is a very misunderstood term.  One definition of submit is to give over or leave to the judgment or approval of another; to yield to power or authority.  How difficult is it to allow someone else to make decisions for us, or to have power over us in any way.  When we submit to God change takes place.  No longer are you concerned about taking life by the reins.  Life becomes simple in that the Holy Spirit is in charge of your life.  He is leading and guiding you in every area.  No longer are you concerned with what you want and how you want to do it, but rather, what does God want and how does God want to handle situations that arise.  God gives grace to the humble.  Humility is another definition of submit, or submission.  Grace and peace will establish themselves in your life.  Submit to God!  Turn it all over to him.  Let God make your decisions.

Change is the result of discipline.

“But steer clear of all these heathen old-wives tales.  Take time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.  Bodily fitness has a limited value, but spiritual fitness is of unlimited value for it holds promise both for this present life and for the life to come.”  (I Timothy 4:7-8   J.B. Phillips)

Spiritual discipline changes you from the inside out.  A definition of discipline is to impose order upon; to bring under control.  Timothy tells us to take time and trouble to keep ourselves spiritually fit.  That suggests that it is hard work.  The battle between the spirit man and the soul man is continuous. The soul must come under the control of the spirit and that takes daily exercise.  Reading the scripture, praying, meditating on scripture , studying the word, encouraging yourself, sharing the word with others, these are some  ways to bring the soul under the control of the spirit. Being spiritually fit means always ready to give an answer to every man that wants a reason for the hope that is in you. (1 Peter 3:15)  Spiritual fitness delivers us from the stronghold of our emotions, mind and will.

I hope the next time you come face to face with change; you will remember change is good.  Meet change with a mindset that says I will yield to change, I will benefit from change and I will be blessed as a result of  change.

In his Service,
Rosita