Changing Bit by Bit!

And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)

Healthy relationships change us.

For example, I was head over heels in love when I married Sally. Yet almost forty years later, I look back and realize I barely knew what love was. The degree that I loved Sally then, versus how much I love her now, is almost incomparable!

Our relationship with God is the same way. It is not an instantaneous event where we give our lives to Christ and immediately reach spiritually maturity. It’s a journey! Think of it like farming—as we study God’s Word, take His truths to heart and learn to apply His principles to our lives, we are planting seeds of faith. Now, we cannot force seeds to germinate. We simply plant, and God provides our growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)! As soon as we think we can change through our abilities or strengths, we are following Old Testament law.

Keep in mind perfection is not a requirement for change or for God to work in our lives. Don’t fall for the enemy’s lies that God has given up on you or that God cannot use you because of past mistakes. Our purpose as believers is not chasing perfection anyway. It’s pursuing a relationship with Jesus! The more time we spend with Jesus, the more it allows Him in to transform our thoughts, our character, and our attitudes.

As Holy Spirit works on our hearts and minds, our mindsets and views begin to reflect the Saviour we love. Our transformations happen from the inside out to increasingly reflect His glory in our lives. Change isn’t something we do—it’s what happens when we focus on Jesus!