Why is it that discouragement comes so easily? How is it that we keep getting demoralized? Why do we get drained of confidence that we will actually grow in God? We hear this talk about transformation at church. But the struggle with sin continues week in and week out. Sometimes, we feel defeated. We come to think that Christ-likeness in this life is just a dream.
I wonder how many of us can identify with these kind of thoughts and desires:
- I am supposed to be kind-hearted and gentle, but it feels better to snarl and bark at the foolish people all around me.
- I know that I’m supposed to be one who gives preference to others, but in all honesty I much prefer to have my way.
- I have tried to break the addiction to that drink and that drug, but the way it feels has its hold on me, so it’s no use.
- I know I am to live free sexual impurity, but the pleasure of that screen is stronger than gravity.
- I know I should stand for my convictions, but it’s so easy to clam up and my resolve is so weak.
- I want to be content with what I have, but my lot in life is unfair and I should have more.
Such thoughts come so easily. And they are constantly ready to rise.
Yet the Bible is clear. There is a path to growth and maturity in Christ. It’s a place of life, joy and strength.
Jesus is present with the power of His resurrection. HE is able to break down that stronghold, to conquer that addiction, to resolve that bitterness, to alleviate that anxiety, to change that attitude, to remove that fear of man, to purify that selfishness. Faith is knowing it to be so, and acting on the knowledge.
Scripture calls you and me to a new frame of mind. We must be confident that by the grace of God, growth is, in fact, possible. Christlikeness is what God wants for us. And He has the power to bring it about. God can and will conform us to the likeness of His Son. We cannot manufacture Christlike character ourselves. But praise God, it is what He provides for us through the power of His Word and His Spirit.
Pop quiz: “You can be different one year from today than you are right now.” Is that true or false? You’d better believe that it is true. You need to press on, asking the Lord to give grace to grow in holiness.
The biblical way of thinking is that Jesus forgives our sin by grace. And, that Jesus empowers us in the battle against sin by grace.
Keep your eyes on Jesus. Pursue holiness. Chase after this. Press on. He will help you to grow.
This is the mindset that we need to adopt. We need the mindset that we CAN BE transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Salt Is Good 