CHANGE
16th Oct 2024
Do you like change, or do you want everything around you to remain the same? Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
Following Jesus is all about change. He wants to come into our lives and change us into the image of Jesus. I have been reading a book about Pastor Hsi and his amazing transformation from being a Confucian scholar and opium addict to becoming a disciple of Jesus, and then leading thousands to living faith.
It has been exciting reading about his work in China over 100 years ago. Heathen lives changed from being hopelessly in the power of satan, now transformed by the power of God, being filled with the Holy Spirit, at times being freed from demons and also set free from opium addiction.
When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, his words were clear and direct, “Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) Their lives were going to immediately change from earning a living as fishermen to catching men and women for Jesus. When Jesus comes into our lives it does not necessarily mean leaving our paid jobs, but it does mean we change from living self centred lives to lives that are under His control.
In Romans 12:2 Paul says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As believers our thinking needs to be changed. Unredeemed minds are full and fear and focussed on self, renewed minds are full of faith and wanting at all times to please the Lord.
In 2 Corinthians 3:18 it says, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirt.” As we keep our eyes on Jesus, worship him and fill our minds with his Word, we will be changed into His likeness, people will see that the peace and joy of Jesus shines out of our faces.
by Charles Sibthorpe
