I like to read and I do a heap of it! From the Bible and a wide range of Christian books to textbooks or journals on psychology, counselling and coaching. I read somewhere that partners in marriage are more likely to stay together where both allow the other to change, grow and develop. My lovely husband says I have changed into a better version of who he first married. That’s sweet but I must give credit where credit is due. It’s all God. (Well maybe a bit of hubby’s patience too!).
Let's explore some differences between men and women for a moment. Apparently, men’s brains are bigger than women’s. (What!) Don’t worry girls, all is not lost, there’s good news too. Women’s brains are more efficient and there’s more going on with processing and intuition etc. (makes sense, it’s hard to shut down, right?) New and continuing research theorises that our hard-working brains could be a reason why women live longer than men. So, let me ruffle some stereotypical feathers a little. Change might be harder for men.
No matter whether you are a male or female, in what areas of life do you find it hard to change? Personally, I don’t like my plans to be changed without due notice. I like everything just so. I must learn to be more flexible. I know it because people have told me. If you’re not sure where you need to change, then consider what others say to you, perhaps your nearest and dearest. After all, they know you well and sometimes we are quite blind to our own idiosyncrasies or foibles that limit us.
We need to change because the Christian life is all about conversion and adjustments. God wants us to become more like Christ, requiring movement and grace. This takes some hard work! The Bible tells us how this happens, we are to be transformed and our minds renewed:
‘...be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.’ Romans 12:2 NKJ
The Greek word for transformed is the root for the word metamorphosis, also used to describe Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2). His face and his clothes shone in glorious brilliance. An amazing miraculous change, from the inside out, is also what is expected of us on this wonderful but sometimes arduous Christian journey. This type of change for us is possible by the spiritual renewing of our mind. This is Holy Spirit stuff—we can’t do it on our own. We need His help and leading but we do need to be willing participants. If we’re not, then transformational change won’t happen. The Lord will not force us.
So perhaps lend an ear to what people around you are telling you. What’s the proverbial elephant in the room that most others know about you, that maybe you are blind or resistant to? Maybe it seems too hard and you don’t know where to begin. Begin small and let God gently, lovingly and graciously take you to a new place of transformation.
Allow me to encourage you. Be open to new ideas, change, and growth. God’s pruning produces healthy and absolutely fabulous fruit for the Lord. Get excited about the potential that is in you!
‘Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.’
‘By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.’
John 15:2,8 NKJ
You can be a true champion of change.
Love Peta XO
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