At least once a week I have a conversation with someone. It goes like this: “I feel like God wants me to _______ but I just don’t know how to stop ____________.”
Treat this like a Jesus mad lib. You might even be able to fill in the blanks right now. Usually the first blank is a clear cut calling on their life to be more holy, but the second blank is the behavior that is currently acting in direct opposition to the what God wants from them. They aren’t always negative things, but sometimes good things that have become gods to them. Here are some popular ones:
” I feel like I should get healthy but don’t’ know how to stop eating so much.”
” I feel like I should rest but don’t know how to stop working so much.”
” I feel like I should be pure but don’t know how to stop having sex.”
“ I feel like I should stop smoking but don’t know what do to with the stress.”
” I feel like God wants me to start tithing but don’t know how to control my spending.”
So what do we do with these? Here’s a few things to think about:
- God is never just trying to get you to stop negative behaviors and start positive ones. He is always, aggressively about your heart. He wants to change your hearts desires. This works out for your joy and his glory. (Ps 37.4)
- Repentance has to run deep. You can’t just stop doing something, but have to repent of the reason you started in the first place. What is it that you are looking for in ______________ that you don’t’ think God gives you? Turn from the deep idols to a truly satisfying Savior and your actions won’t be far behind.
- Sanctification is a process. While Jesus rescues you from a destiny in hell in a second, the process of becoming like him lasts your entire life. The good news is that he didn’t leave you alone in that process, but has given you both the Holy Spirit, and the church to guide you. The Spirit is constantly reminding you to live in light of your new identity. (Romans 5/6)
- Grace motivates godly change. If you are changing for you, you’ll probably fail and become miserable or succeed and become proud. Both fall short and will ultimately disappoint you. But becoming intoxicated with the Grace of God will melt your hard heart, motivate your heart to change, and mold your behaviors to be more like Jesus.
- Change is Work. Lets just take the first example with food. Just because you realize that God gives you comfort and not food, that doesn’t mean you don’t’ have to hit the gym. The first step is submitting to the Spirits conviction & realizing your idolatry with food, your second is your confession and repentance in community, your third is hitting the gym and throwing out the Twinkies. You’ll sweat, you’ll want to quit, but ultimately whatever your heart is looking to for validation will win out in your behaviors. Lets’ fix our eyes on Jesus, start drinking deeply of his grace, and be amazed as the Spirit roots out the negative behaviors in our lives.
So here’s your new mad lib… Because Jesus has _________________ I don’t’ have to look to __________________ to comfort/approve/validate/complete me.
For my favorite resource on Gospel Centered Change check out: YOU CAN CHANGE.