One thing some people resist is another person trying to change them. A young lady may not appreciate it when her boyfriend starts trying to mold her into something of his “ideal woman.” Therefore, she insists: “Don’t try to change me; that’s not me.”
Occasionally you hear people say, “That’s just the way I am.” A man may have a problem controlling his temper. In a variety of circumstances, he may become angered, and therefore, show it through piercing words, sarcasm or unkind actions. When brought to his attention, he says something like, “Everybody knows that’s just me; everyone knows I have a problem controlling my temper.” The idea often conveyed is that you should just accept me the way I am with my spiritual weaknesses and flaws: “Don’t try to change me.”
While it is true that you and I have our weaknesses, it is not “a given” that we should just accept them, learn to live with them and not be bothered by them. Jesus did not come to reinforce our flaws. He did not come and say, “Just be your natural self however ugly and selfish you may happen to be.”
Becoming a disciple and follower of Jesus, we have committed ourselves to adopting the totality of his teaching, his spirit of meekness, humility, longsuffering, forgiveness and compassion; yes, we have obligated ourselves to adopting His way of thought and imitating His way of life. The Christian life involves a process of growth, development, transformation—becoming like Jesus. Friends and brethren, heaven has no reservations available for those who tell Jesus, “Just leave me alone—don’t try to change me.” Instead of that approach, may we pray: “Jesus, make me like you” whereby the beauty of Jesus may unquestionably be seen within us. Never doubt the power inherent in his Word, which can make us all He wants us to be.
