When you become a Christian, you don’t become a brand new person overnight. There are some things about you that will change more quickly than others. But on the whole becoming a different person from who you were yesterday will take time.
However, this change will only take place if you let yourself be moulded, taught and led by God’s Spirit.
But before you can even begin allowing God to shape and change you, you must take the first step on the path to change, and that is admitting you need to change.
The First Step is Admission
In order to become more Christ-like, certain character traits, habits and behaviours must change. But they will not change if you are unwilling to admit that they are a problem.
For as long as you hold on to your old nature and refuse to acknowledge your problem areas, you will not change. In fact, you actually run the risk of becoming self-righteous and hypocritical.
Admitting that you are selfish, that you have an addiction or that you have an issue with pride, is not easy. It’s hard and it takes humility. It also requires you to be completely open and honest with yourself and with God.
Be Open and Honest
As you delve into the Word, you will realise that the Lord is more concerned with what is inside your heart than what is on the outside.
When choosing a king to replace Saul in the First Book of Samuel, the Lord admonished Samuel not to regard the men’s physical stature. He said, “For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 6:7)
The Psalmist David also says when speaking of the Lord, “Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts…” (Psalm 51:5 (NKJV))
God knows our thoughts from afar off (Psalm 139:2) and He knows what is in our heart and minds. (John 2:24-25) You cannot pretend to be righteous when your thoughts and intentions are wicked. For it is in these hidden places that the Lord wants us to be honest and righteous.
There is no use trying to hide from God. He already sees us as we are. All things are naked and open to Him (Hebrews 4:13). So come before the Lord with the truth. Admit your sin and the areas you struggle with to yourself and to Him.
Once you do that, you’ve already won half the battle. God will now be able to change you and this will start with renewal.
Change Begins With Renewal
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
It is no coincidence that Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, says that to be transformed your mind must be renewed.
Your behaviour, character traits and habits are influenced by your mind. Therefore, as long as you are still holding on to the belief systems and thoughts you had before you were born again, you will not change. Your mind must be renewed for you to be transformed. This happens when you constantly feed on the Word of God.
You must begin thinking and speaking the language in the Word. As you do this your soul will be sanctified and cleansed, made new. You will begin to gain better understanding. This will help you make better decisions and start acting like a changed person.
You Do Not Walk Alone
Walking the path to change may be easier said than done. It takes effort, time and consistency to change yourself. But the good news is that it’s not all up to you. You do not walk alone but the Holy Spirit walks with you.
The Holy Spirit is your Helper. (John 14: 16-17) He will admonish and teach you. He will also encourage you and comfort you when you feel discouraged.
As you yield to His prompting and leading you will see a difference in yourself. You just need to remain steadfast as you seek the Lord’s righteousness, always remembering where it comes from.
Christ is Your Righteousness
Your righteousness comes from Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:21). It does not come from kind deeds or being very “good”. This is very important to remember.
No amount of self-will, determination or good deeds can change you or make you a better person. Only Jesus can.
You must put your confidence in what Jesus did for you on the cross. For, it is the knowledge of God’s grace and goodness that brings true repentance and change. (Romans 2:4) Don’t forget that.
Don’t Lose Heart
Another thing to remember is that not all change comes naturally. There will be days of struggle and mistakes will be made. But that’s alright. Just don’t lose heart.
Instead pick yourself up again and remind yourself that God has begun and a good work in you. He will continue shaping and changing you until the day Christ returns. (Philippians 1:6)
So keep pressing on, knowing that your efforts are not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58), but you strive for the prize of heaven and your crown of glory.
