Real Things.

Look in the mirror.

I want to change. You want to change. Nothing new here…

The problem(s):

• we deny just how badly we need to change
• we don’t know what else we want (or should want) to be

The result: we don’t change.

How do we stop this pattern? We must get the past our wants and find out what God wants. Then… all we have to do is obey.

Too simple? Think about it. Where did we (humans) get this idea that we’re supposed to figure out our life’s destiny and devote ourselves to achieving it? We were made to be the loved and obedient creation of God. We find our destiny and calling when we obey the commands and calling of God. But you have to get started. Here’s how (it’s simple and not simple!)…

Do what God’s teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves. Those who hear God’s teaching and do nothing are like people who look at themselves in a mirror. They see their faces and then go away and quickly forget what they looked like. But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God’s perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God’s teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy. James 1:22-25

Do what God’s teaching says. I thought about making this say “Find out what God’s teaching says” but really, that would be superfluous. The Word of God must be so ingrained into our life (our daily life) that the gap between finding out and actually doing what it says should disappear. Let’s find out on the way to doing God’s will. The Bible is the authority for life – this is a good thing – study it, enjoy it, let it shape your patterns and character for life.

When you know what the Word says, get going with obeying immediately. The longer you hear it and do nothing, the more out of whack your spiritual life becomes.

Be honest about disobedience. This week, the Holy Spirit graciously and clearly convicted my heart and mind about a sin I have been asking forgiveness for but have yet for which to have made restitution. I am thankful and making it right now.

We must look into the mirror and be honest about what we see – then, don’t forget it! Always remember the Gospel of Jesus: You are a sinner and unable to make things right between you, God, and others. God loves you and knowing the truth about you (including all your sins and secrets) sent His Son Jesus to live among people like you and die a gruesome death you deserved to die. Jesus didn’t stay dead, he doesn’t want you to either. He wants you to live in what he died to give you – a relationship of trust and love with him!

Every time we see a pattern of sin in our life, we must remember the truth! Then, we can rely on the strength of what Jesus did and change!