Change

Do people ever change? This depends upon what type of change is being targeted. A person’s actions and habits can undergo training, but their heart is another matter. Researchers have learned over years of observation that one person cannot really change another person’s heart. The other person may comply with requests and change for a time, but effective personal change comes from within the individual and is built on internal desire for a particular result. Without an immense catalyst, personal change usually requires focused efforts over an extended period of time to change one’s heart. Without personal desire, efforts toward permanent change are likely futile. The heart is the source of what makes up a person; it includes their goals, motives, and vigor. Regarding spiritual change, Jesus said, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” - Matt. 15:18-20 (ESV). When considering the pathway to spiritual wholeness, what a person consumes does not separate a person from God, but their attitude toward Him. For many people, change can be extremely difficult. As we walk our daily steps, we generally seek pathways which aren’t littered with options for possible or certain disappointment. As we mature, we gather experiences about completing tasks efficiently and that end well or according to our expectations; these roll over into practiced habits. With practice, we can develop muscle memory (actions become automatic, without thought). When we have a comfortable pathway with few obstacles, we sometime think we are in a “groove.” Many years ago, employers recognized this quality within people and subsequently developed an interview technique called “Behavioral Interviewing.” The thesis of this technique basically states that a person will generally repeat their actions from past experiences: “if a practice has worked before, it will likely work again. There is no need to reinvent a new practice without perceived need.” Given that physical circumstances are similar, there is significant truth in this. If an employer can find a person who is knowledgeable and experienced about a particular job, chances are they will be able to perform the needed tasks well and will not change without some catastrophic event. Also, they will likely easily adjust for minor differences. However, another view of this is that the “groove” can become a “rut,” a situation wherein there are few opportunities for personal challenges; they may become bored. People are unique, so this “rut” can have radically different presentations. Some have described such a lifestyle as a habit, or even an addiction. Prime examples of this involve tobacco, alcohol, or pain medicine. Many people want to get out of their “rut,” and try something different, or new. However, change requires desire, motivation, and courage. A similar description can be made concerning those who want to follow God. Usually, people will identify a person or group of people who seem to be acting in a way that they understand their concept of God approves. Within those who follow Christianity, this “rut” may be some group who hold various understandings of religious practice; these are usually labeled denominations.
The pathway out of a “rut” is some sort of change. For those in a religious group, the proper pathway should be Bible study and prayer. For those who find themselves properly aligned with biblical teaching, the pathway is perhaps choosing a different way to help others. God desires Christians to imitate Jesus and help others, these are good efforts/works God’s people are encouraged to practice. Paul directly encouraged the Ephesian Christians about this, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10 (ESV).
When we follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit along our unique individual spiritual journey, there are many good works created for us to serve God. We each should attempt to walk in them.