Plain change without God is meaningless

Many of us struggle with undesirable traits or habits which wish to shake off, but cannot. Often, they form our New Year resolutions. However, we fail to change as soon as we embark on this journey. The truth of the matter is, we need more power than just willpower in our lives. We need God’s power.

The “fruits of the Spirit” are the qualities that God puts in our lives when His Spirit lives through us. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

If you have lived your whole 50 years being a selfish, mean person, you do not go out and say, “I am going to be a generous person from today!”

God has to grow it inside. Your desire to be generous without God’s intervention is like tying some banana leaves on a mugumo tree and calling it a banana tree. The fruit of kindness can only come from inside — His Spirit living through you.

How, therefore, do we effect change in our lives? The answer is gradually. It is not a one touch miracle but a continuous process that requires our patience, commitment and God.

Pastor Rick Warren of the Purpose Driven Life says that when God wants to make a mushroom, he takes six hours. When God wants to make an oak tree, he takes 60 years.

The question is: Do you want your life to be a mushroom or an oak tree? He goes on to say that you did not collect your pains, habits, and hang-ups overnight. It took you a long time to get as messed up as you are! You have got to peel that onion one layer at a time.

The following will definitely help to bring about the change you so desire:

1. Commit your life to God and invite Him to cause a change in you. It means you spend hours in His presence seeking. His counsel. This involves studying the scriptures and praying.

2. Purpose to change. Change must beat at your heart. It must recur in your heart and mind, with you constantly reflecting and meditating on it.

3. Avoid anything that would be a catalyst to your going back to the habit you just kicked. For instance, if alcohol has held you captive for years, it would be most unwise to pass by the bar to keep your friends company while you sip a soda. Most likely, your addiction will be rekindled.

4. Have an accountability trustworthy partner with whom you will share your weakness and desire to change. This person must also be a godly person who will feel your burden, and help you achieve your desired goal.

5. Make it a commitment to help others stuck in the same rut when you finally get out.

It all starts with God. Allow Him to renew your thoughts and attitudes. We cannot hope for a lasting change if we do not put off our former selves and clothe ourselves with God.

If we will acknowledge God as the author and finisher of our faith, then we will easily put on this new self, created to be like God.

Again to quote Warren, “Your character is the sum total of your habits. Your responsibility is to develop new habits to change.”