The Changed Life

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new —2 Corinthians 5:17

One of the tests for determining if the work of salvation in your life is genuine is— has God changed the things that really matter to you?

I do remember a profound change in myself when I accepted Christ many years ago.  Others noticed it too.  It was the summer that was between my 8th and 9th grades.  In 8th grade it was very important to me what the other kids at school thought of me. I spent a lot of time worrying about my popularity and trying to be "cool."  When I became a Christian that summer...all of that instantly changed.  Popularity didn't matter at all any more.  I cared more about doing the best that I could at my school work.  I was kinder to other people as well.  I was also more respectful to my teachers.  I still remember that several people at my school commented on how I had changed during 9th grade, including one teacher who I had two years in a row.

And as long as I “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7), God sees nothing to rebuke because His life is working itself into every detailed part of my being, not on the conscious level, but even deeper than my consciousness.

I know that there are areas in my life that could use improvement.  I would like to profoundly change again.  Now the changes are more slow and subtle.  I want to change over night like I did in 1981.  Walking in the light on a daily basis is hard work, don't you think?  I am thankful that he continues to work changes in me...but sometimes I just want to see those changes like I did all of those years ago.

Photo by Alex Barth.  from Flickr Creative Commons.

The Supreme Climb

He said, ’Take now your son . . .’ —Genesis 22:2

God’s command is, “Take now,” not later. It is incredible how we debate! We know something is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it immediately. If we are to climb to the height God reveals, it can never be done later— it must be done now. And the sacrifice must be worked through our will before we actually perform it.

I must say that I don't think I could ever obey like Abraham did.  Such faith!  Such self-sacrifice.


Always guard against self-chosen service for God. Self-sacrifice may be a disease that impairs your service.

"What do you want me to do Lord for self- service?" -I have to admit that when I pray a prayer such as this, I often think quietly something like, "I hope it is not something too hard to do." So if that's my attitude, am I really willing to serve him? Is my attitude really one that says, "I'll serve you, Lord...if it's not anything that makes me feel too uncomfortable?"


You must go through the trial before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because by going through the trial you learn to know God better. God is working in us to reach His highest goals until His purpose and our purpose become one.

Is that why life seems to be a long string of trials?  Because God wants me to know him better?


Photo image by jphilipg. Construction Signs, Creative Commons Flickr.