Changes
Posted: Tuesday, February 09, 2010
by Star Lyn
We all like the idea of changing, of becoming something different than what we presently are.
Starting over again . . . .
Reinventing ourselves . . . .
Experiencing a new beginning . . .
Certainly, our culture is obsessed with change and self-improvement.
Cosmetic surgery has become very popular. People go to cosmetic surgeons wanting to look like their favorite movie stars, or perhaps a younger version of themselves. Sadly, they sometimes come out looking like an altogether different person!
God said, "No, don't worry. You have another 40 years to live."
Shirley figured that since she had another 40 years, she might as well make the most of it. Upon her recovery, she decided to stay in the hospital and have collagen shots, cheek implants, a facelift and liposuction-the works! She then had someone dye her hair.
When she walked out of the lobby at Cedars-Sinai, feeling wonderful about her new look, an ambulance was speeding up to the hospital, hit and killed her. She arrived in front of God and said, "I thought you said I had another 40 years?"
God replied, "Shirley! I'm so sorry, but I didn't RECOGNIZE YOU!"
Now, I know that this is a silly story, but I shared it with you today because it really has an interesting message. First of all, we all know that God doesn't recognize us because of how we look, but what is in our heart.
Second, it shows that as humans, we sometimes spend a lot of time and effort on trying to do what we think at the time will make a difference in the whole scheme of things, when in reality, God's reality, it is just a speck of time. Many have the desire and unexplained urgency to change, but just don't know why or what they are looking for.
Why this desire for change?
Anthony Elliot, professor of sociology at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom , wrote:
"The demand for instant identity transformations has never been so persuasive. People today want change and they want it instantly-from fame to the instant thrills of Botox or liposuction. In a world of short term contracts, endless downsizings, just-in-time deliveries, and multiple careers, the capacity to reinvent yourself has become fundamental. "
Nowadays, if people have a drug or alcohol problem, they just go to rehab. They emerge a month later convenced they are "cured". They soon fall back into the same problems again and again. Many people are constantly trying to fill that emptiness that is inside them with drugs, alcohol, porn, sex and other things of destruction.
The problem is that all of these changes don't get to the real issue: the issue of the heart. Because the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.
The Bible, in John 3: 1-21, tells the story of an elderly Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus, a man of the Pharisee, who came to Jesus one night, looking for answers and wanting change in his life. "Teacher," he said, "we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are proof enough that God is with you."
Jesus replied, "I assure you, I say to you, unless you are born again you can never see the kingdom of God ."
"What do you mean?" exclaimed Nicodemus. "How can an old man go back into his mother's womb and be born again?"
Most people respect Christians in general. They are honest, considerate, friendly and all in all pretty darn good people. They love and respect Jesus Christ and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. Their (Our) hearts are in the right place.
That's how Nicodemus felt. He also had great respect for Jesus and His teachings. And he was probably hoping that Jesus would say something that would bring improvement to his life.
But what Jesus said was radical, even revolutionary. Jesus immediately said to him, "You must be born again!"
But why did Jesus say that? Jesus said that because He's not looking for admiration or even deep respect. He is looking for followers. He doesn't say, "Admire me," but rather "Follow me!"
Jesus wants more than our admiration. He wants our worship.
Jesus was saying, "Nicodemus, being religious and moral is not enough. Self-improvement is not enough. No, you must be born all over again."
But what does that mean?
To be born again means to be "born from above." It is a radical heart change that only God can do. But it comes from above, not from self-effort or from self-improvement programs.
You might think to yourself, "Well, I'm a Christian, but I'm not one of those 'born again' types."
Newsflash-According to Jesus, you can't be a genuine Christian without being born again. Making the change that will change your life forever.
You might wonder, how does this actually happen?
John 3:5-21 for the additional answers to this powerful question.
2 Cor 5:17 says: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."
1 Peter 1:23-24 "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever. For all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower thereof falls away."
In conclusion, I would like to add that we all like to look our best, not only for others, but for ourselves as well. There really isn't anything wrong with that. We live in a society which opens the door for those with whom it feels "looks" the right way, has the right degrees, or knows the right people. Is that right? Of course not. Is it real? You bet it is... for this limited existence.
But what we have been talking about this afternoon is the MOST important change, the change that is the one for eternity, the one that will open ALL the right doors in your life, answer all your questions, and the one which will be the best change ever. The change that will never leave you.
If you want to make a change in your life, go within and start there. This is the only change that we can do that really matters and I mean ONLY thing. I tried all the rest and let me tell you,it just didn't do the job!
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Thanks for the article. One minor point. Anyone who walks out of rehab thinking they are cured did not learn a thing while in. It's a life long battle, one day at a time.Thanks Jack! I totally agree with you 100%. We often think that the quick fix is the answer, but if the truth be told, there is no such thing. Stay strong, my friend!
Change is the only thing constant in our life !Nice article !!!Thank you for taking the time to read my article! Blessings, Star
I've heard that analogy many times - but it is very true. Raising a girl - I'm more aware of how much society puts on physical image - and it's so hard to reassure my daughter - who is beautiful on the inside & out - that she doesn't need to look like her current favourite country singer!Amen Sister! Somehow they get through that faze, but it sure is tough on us parents! Blessings, Star
Star,I am very impressed with your article, unfortunately,there are many people that like to live a false life here on the earth. while there are many people suffering poverty these people are spending money on vain things of the world. There is nothing better than to be yourself and aim high always remembering there is a God in Heaven and we need to praise him the Lord Jesus Christ.Thank you
Hey Star,Great article, I enjoyed reading it. Yes it is absolutely true, that eternity is up in heaven with our Lord.And a everlasting peace & joy cometh to all those that call upon the name of the Lord! Nice pic of you too.-SarahThank you so much Sarah. It is amazing that if we just spend part of the time being in touch with the Lord, instead of in front of the mirror, many lives would change dramatically. We can only pray that someone gets the message in time.
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