Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. (Romans 12:3)
Perhaps you are familiar with the phrase, “You cannot teach an old dog new tricks.” That is code for coming up with reasons and excuses for not making whatever changes are necessary to one’s beliefs or behaviors. But make no mistake, the life of the believer is a life of continual change, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Old dogs can learn “new tricks” when the teacher is our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, the first step to making positive change in your life is to first recognize that a change is actually necessary, whether it is a belief or a behavior. But sinful pride will do everything within its power to convince you that you are fine just the way you are and a change is not needed. Remember, to be convinced you need to change is to acknowledge something was wrong or deficient, and sinful pride will always rise up against that.
Once you identify that a change is necessary, the second step is to be willing to put in the effort to make the desired change, and that always begins on your knees. Take your desired change to the Throne of Grace. All change begins and ends with God which is why you must spend time in communion with God. Add to that, time in His Word. You must come to the Scriptures and read expectantly that God will reveal the path you need to travel to reach your new destination. Finally, you must be willing to walk the path God has shown you, regardless of cost or circumstance.
God has promised to strengthen your resolve so you will be empowered to do what is necessary to change. But you must be willing to play your part. The process of learning “new tricks” requires your participation. The gift of God’s grace is available to us without conditions. But we must receive it and respond to it by playing our part. Remember, change is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian, because the gospel changes everything, including you!
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 