Note with me some biblical teachings concerning the concept of change. In a former article, we noticed that we live in a society that is characterized by change. We also considered some necessary changes, and we defined these as repentance and Christian growth. Please join me as we continue to explore a proper perspective of change. What Must Change?
Generally speaking, we do not like to change spiritually. We are often stubborn and hard-hearted against the words of God (Acts 8:18-23; 24:25-26; 26:28; John 12:37-41). We love to do whatever we want to do. Gambling, drinking, smoking, pornography, profanity, harshness and bitterness are just some of the things people often struggle to overcome. Obviously, the problem is not when the Word tells us to do something we like to do or are already doing, but whenever God requires something we dislike. Many want to obey God on their own terms, and they are not truly seeking the truth. Yet, we are instructed to, “Lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save our souls” (James 1:21). This includes actually doing what the Word commands us to do (James 1:22-ff). In many ways, the hardest part of true Bible study is fully applying and fruitfully practicing the Book. If we truly seek the truth of God, we will make the needed changes to be right with Him. Remember, the truth of God possesses the power to free us from the slavery of sin (John 8:31-34; cf. Romans 1:16-17).
The apostle Peter, in writing to early Christians, discussed some of the required changes we must make. He described the changes as a progression of adding certain qualities to our lives. After talking of all the many blessing we possess in Christ, Peter said, “But for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter 1:5-7). As we consider these words, we would do well to compare the fruits of the spirit and the fruits of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-23). Faithful Christians are busy developing godly character (Ephesians 5:1-2; Colossians 3:1-4, 12-17) and actively removing ungodliness from their lives (Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 5:8-14; Colossians 3:5-11). “For if these things are yours and abound, you will neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8).
Our knowledge of the truth is the foundation that undergirds our sanctifying walk with Christ (John 8:31-32; 17:17; 1 John 1:5-10). Peter goes on to say that, “he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:9). He strongly presses the point that growing as a child of God is absolutely essential (2 Peter 3:18). Christian growth should be as important to us as milk to a newborn baby (1 Peter 2:1-3). Peter continued this discussion of Christian growth by giving us the ultimate motivation to grow: heaven. “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11).
