“You’ve changed!” Have you ever heard (or made) that comment? The statement may only refer to your physical characteristics – such as a new haircut or glasses, or a physical condition, but sometimes it is all about our attitude and mindset. The truth is, change is possible, but we are often frustrated with change in our own lives, and try to change things about the people around us. Social scientists tell us that no one can truly change unless they want to. (Remember this old joke: “Question: How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: Only one, but the light bulb has to really want to change.”)
The Bible gives many illustrations of lives which were changed when God became part of the equation. It is not at all implausible for dramatic change to happen in our lives and in others when the Spirit of God works His work to conform us to the image of His Son. For example, I’ll mention one such ordinary guy named in the Old Testament. You have heard of him — Saul — the son of Kish. He did not aspire to great achievements, nor was he extremely self-confident, nor of noble blood. In spite of his “ordinariness,” God chose him to be the nation of Israel’s first king! God chose him and then plans to enable him for the position by changing him. Notice the description in 1 Samuel 10:6 as Samuel anoints Saul, “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power …. and you will be changed into a different person.” Verse 9 goes on to tell us “as Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart.”
Saul (who hid among the luggage when he was chosen and announced to all of Israel and claimed to be from the least of all tribes and families) is given the fullness of the Spirit of God to enable him to do the task God assigned to him. God is the one, through the power of His Holy Spirit, who changes our hearts, too. It is by allowing God to totally control and fill us (Ephesians 5:18) that we are changed and become effective for Christ.
God wants His Holy Spirit to control and change your life and mine. Are we selfishly guarding our hearts—not allowing Him to work and change us? We must prayerfully surrender our control to God so He can break, change, and transform us as He desires. (It may be an answer to others’ prayers for us as well!!)
KBK
