Does Christ have the power to change people?

My answer is a resounding ‘yes’. I, like everybody else- whether they care to admit it or not, can only speak from MY experience, which includes: readings, people, life lessons, personal issues and struggles, etc.. My voice is only as loud as the power and depth of my experiences. With this question in mind, my experiences on the forefront of my mind, I believe Christ can and does change people. There is a catch though. Many need to WANT to change before change can occur. Christ has the power, he will always show up- his timing is absolutely impeccable, yet can be slow and painful. But, there are two participants in the changing process. The one whom desires change and Christ, the changer. If both show up looking for change, hallelujah! Change will happen.

Unfortunately, more often that not, we don’t think change is needed in our lives. Possibly small change but never big. It’s my opinion- again, from my understanding and experiences- we are ALL ALWAYS in need of change. Life is a constant changing process.

The interesting part about change is if we ignore the need to change, we will cause all sorts of problems and issues in our lives. If we run from needed change, it will follow us where ever we go. Whether we allow change to happen today or in ten years, it will continue to stalk us from behind. We can’t get away from our needed change.

Remember that only Christ can change us into into what he wants and needs; we can’t do it by our wills- we simply can’t do it by will power! Sure, temporarily we can change ourselves for a short period of time, but we will shrink back to our true selves, trust me.

Over the last couple years, I’ve attempted to change myself by by own will power, with unquestionably no avail. I didn't realize what I was doing either. There was a very heavy veil over my eyes. I used all the power and strength I had to act differently, more like Christ- somewhat it a Pharisaic manor. At times this would work, but only temporarily. I would always fall back into being the man I didn’t wish to be- hard hearted, judgmental, cynical, negative, and much more. By my own power I could not change.

Then Christ showed up.

I like knowing that Christ changed me and continues to refine me each day. I like knowing Christ has the power to change people. I really like knowing I am NOT, by all means NOT, the same person I was half a year ago. I allowed Christ to work in me. I asked him to come into my heart, soul, and mind and do his best. This was a very painful process (still is). It didn’t lead to my perfection, it lead to transformation; real and lasting change.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” -Matthew 11:28-29

What does it mean to meet Christ and allow him to change us?

There are a few crucial elements to this much desired change. The most important is being transparent. If we cover up, sugar-coat, or masquerade as if everything is OK, we will be blocking the very things Christ wants to show us. He has things to say to each one of us.

He speaks through many forms. Seek wise counsel. In my opinion, this council is NOT the friends you gossip with or go out drinking with on the weekends. These men/woman should be older, “wiser” people who have more life experience than we do. They may have even been through the same thing. Choose 2-3 people. That will give you a few different perspectives. If you simply have the one, your view will most assuredly be biased and counter productive. Look for people at different stages of their lives who can speak truth.

Hit the Word- HARD! Read, memorize, ponder, eat, drink, act, crave... go after the Word. The Word has all the answers. Read it front to back, cover to cover, left to right, up and down. Read, read, and read some more of the Word.

Read books. This adds more perspective to your life. Books give us an ability to walk in another's shoes without talking to them or knowing who they are. In my experience books are Christ’s way of opening my eyes to a newer, larger view of life. Books make me think deeply as well. They force me to go below the surface and do heart and soul checks. The best part is that there is a book for everything (though I would stay away from so called “self help” books, even if they are written by Christian authors. Also, stay away from a lot of the crappy books. There are a lot of those out there as well.) Many of the authors have already experienced what things we might be going through and wrote everything down for us to see.

Write everything down. Journal until your hand falls off. Write thoughts, feelings, emotions (if you are capable), memories, dreams, and everything that comes to mind. It helps clear things out of our minds. And, when you get through big change you can look back and remember the huge things that happened.

Prayer. Pray, pray, pray. Pray with trusted friends. Pray with trusted pastors. Pray with your 2-3 wise counsel members. Pray alone. Walk and pray. Pray quietly. Write prayers out. Wake up and pray. Allow Christ to hear your cry. He’s listening.

Also, if you don’t already have one- and I know the difficulty of finding a community when your life may be, what feels like, falling apart- find a community. If you have a church or small group, great. Open up and be honest about what’s going on and how you feel. Like I said, be transparent. Let them see who you really are. Trust me; there is no need to fake anything. Be honest and humble and see what Christ does.

A very important fact: not everyone will support you during this time of change. People or friends you thought would be there for you will disappear. People you don’t know or wouldn’t think would be available for you, will be. Trust Christ and who he puts in your path. Be real and true to yourself.

Finally, be patient. This is not going to happen over night. Change takes time, tears, and struggle. But, at the end, you will be amazed and what Christ has done. I heard a couple quotes which have stuck with me in my changing process:

“Over time a slow and steady stream will erode even the largest rock and turn giant boulders into small pebbles. Over time.”- Be patient and wait.

“God does not care so much how fast be grow but how strong.” - Be patient and wait.

Many mornings I’ve awoke to the quiet whisper of the Spirit telling me, “Eric, be patient and wait. Things are changing.”

This may not be a fun experience for you. But my promise is that Christ can change people. He can and will turn our lives upside down and around. Trust, seek, love, and live for Christ and he WILL lift you up.

Tell me how it goes.

MANN