We have changed our settings, changed who we associate with, changed our pastors, changed our religions, changed the “outside of the cup,” but the one thing we want to change never does – us. We have listened to all the “philological and psychological” messages given by so called ministers of the gospel to no avail. We try every “fad” that passes through the church and the world but still no success. Finally, we give up and accept ourselves. We forgo trying to change for the philosophy of “to thine own self be true.” The belief is that only our heart can lead us to truth. If our heart wants it then it must be right. We live in the age of self-indulgence. However, we cannot trust our heart. Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Our desires are sensual, earthly, and devilish. A change must occur in our heart, and only one message can – the cross of Christ.
A major known preacher gave a message not too long ago, telling the congregation that they needed to surround themselves with people that would “lift” them up. This is the world’s philosophy. Change does not happen through osmosis. Take for example Judas the betrayer. He was with Jesus just as much as any other disciple. He saw the miracles Christ performed and heard Christ’s prophetic words; nevertheless change never happened for Judas. There is something hidden deep within a person that is vile and full of sin.
- “Uplift” does not come from our surroundings; joy comes from HIM – Nehemiah 8:10 “…for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
- Strength is not from us; he is the one that strengthens us – Psalm 119:28 “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.”
- Our hope is not in our abilities; he is our hope and salvation – Isaiah 12:2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”
- We cannot change ourselves through our efforts; true change takes place by the power of God. 2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
As long as well look towards the world for answers, our transformation will always be out of reach. It is only through the cross of Christ that transformation is possible. Our corrupted desires change if we seek him and his kingdom first. Our wants change from worldly to Godly; our wants are no longer the same; and we will never be the same!