I’m still getting used to my new computer. It is a Mac as opposed to a PC; those letters mean something to some of you.
I have installed software with which I am familiar to help me navigate typing articles and sermons. But there still are major differences, and I have to admit to you that I struggle sometimes with change.
According to some, that is an indication that I am old. We’ve all heard the jokes. “‘How many football players does it take to change a light bulb?’ ‘Only one, but he gets three hours credit for electrical engineering.’” And then there is this one: “‘How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?’ ‘Change the light bulb? What do you mean change that light bulb? My grandmother donated that light bulb. If it was good enough for her…’” Yeah, you get the drift.
It usually is not really that bad. But we all have our moments when we do not want to change, even in the church. Some struggle if we change the version of the Bible that is read. Some don’t want the songs to change. Some get upset if they are asked to change classrooms.
But in so many ways, the story of the Gospel is that we can be changed … for the better. God is in the life-changing business, and we all need to be changed in some ways, because none is perfect. We are all sinners.
I want to be a different next year from what I am today. I want to continue to grow. I want to be more like Jesus than I am today. I want to be a better husband, father and pastor. I believe that God can help me do just that.
And I believe he can help you to change, too. Jesus said to His followers, “Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.” That’s a command to all of us. We are in pursuit of perfection. We are not going to reach it in this world, but it still is the goal. Let me challenge you to grow and become all that God wants you to be.
It’s still early enough in the year to make that your goal for 2015. Hear the challenge from Jesus and strive to go that direction now.
God can help you change for the better
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