Tips For Lasting Change
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. II Corinthians 3:17-18 (KJV)
Today I want to share a few practical tips for change. These are helpful things to keep in mind as you grow in God and seek to change for the better.
This is a big one. Don’t focus on your weaknesses. Instead, keep your eyes on the Lord’s strength and make that your focus. If we look at our shortcomings, it will just discourage us, but if we look at all the power God is willing to release on our behalf, we can stay encouraged and motivated.
Rather than putting yourself down (in your thoughts and words), let God lift you up. He is the Glory and Lifter of your head. See yourself the way He does- as His beloved child. Think of yourself the way He does, and say what His Word says about you.
Stop thinking about how bad you are or how wrong you feel. Replace those thoughts with the belief that you are born-again and have been made righteous. Christ is your righteousness, so you have right standing with God even when you don’t have it all together. It is so liberating to know that you don’t have to be perfect because Jesus is- and He’s got your back.
Quit striving and working so hard to overcome sin. As a matter of fact, you don’t have to overcome sin because Jesus did that for you. Just receive the victory that is your because of Jesus. If you sin, repent, receive His forgiveness and go on.
Quit looking at the wrong things that have happened to you. Know that because you love God and are called by Him, God takes the wrong and works it out for your good (Romans 8:28). He’ll make things better than before.
Stop trying to change yourself. Trust Jesus to change you. Just say, “Lord, here I am. Change me and make me to be like You.” Then allow Him to change you bit by bit until you are just like Him. It really is that easy- if you quit trying to do what only God can do.
Positive, lasting change is not beyond your reach. Just rest and let the Lord do the real work of changing and improving you.
