"All human nature vigorously resists grace, because grace changes us, and the change is painful."
Flannery O'Connor
"The goal of spiritual practices is not altered states but altered traits."
From Golden by Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz
These are two quotes that I've written down in my journal recently. They remind me of the fact that our Christian faith is always challenging us to become better people, to become more like Jesus. That change can take many forms and is different for each of us. Often, we're afraid of what that change may mean to our lives. Will we have to move? Give up the job or the money that makes us feel secure? Will we have to sacrifice what we consider to be "righteous" anger? Or maybe we'll have to actually try to make friends with our neighbors, even the ones we find annoying?
However, when we open ourselves to the possibility of change, when we give it a try, we often find the rewards are great. If we line ourselves up with God's will for our lives, we feel His pleasure, and that is the most wonderful feeling in the world.
So, ask yourself today, am I willing to change for the sake of Christ? What might that look like?
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
For more about change see:
Prayer Changes Me
Change My Heart
Inner Change
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