Change can be good

Read 2Peter 1:3-11

A huge part of discipleship is taking on a new way of going about things we do naturally. The things we take in our gates (eyes, ears, mouths) and the things we allow out of our gates (eyes, ears, mouths). In my opinion this is as much an undertaking as becoming a theologian or bible scholar! (Comment if you must...) and maybe the more detrimental to our success as disciples! If the scripture points out nothing else it screams that our spiritual habits (divine natures) are linked to our natural habits.

I remember lying was markedly difficult for me to continue to do as a new convert but boy could I tell 'em before! With very little guilt... (Incidentally, I can judge when I am off course in my walk when I find myself lying now. I know I need to do some soul searching.) But telling the truth had to replace telling lies because I could not stand the conviction I felt as a consequence. (Incidentally, I find conviction to be an indicator of God's love for me, our relationship, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life as opposed to fear of the "fiery flames of hell".)

Make a plan for change and stick to it.

Sometimes we talk ourselves out of change because we think it is impossible because we have been doing something for so long.

For example, I have a new habit now of sneezing into my arm instead of into my hand. I think I learned to sneeze and cough into my hand (if no tissue was available) over 20 years ago! It is weird that it only took about three or four weeks to make the switch, and now I can't hardly imagine why I ever did the other. Albeit, when my arm is bare I am still a little hesitant and it is harder to wash the bend of your arm than your hand in a public restroom. Still, it seems like a better idea and time will tell if we are decreasing the risk of spreading our "germs" to others by making the change.

Change is not always comfortable.

Another new thing for me is remembering that I do not have to designate if I prefer non-smoking seats in a restaurant. Just indicating how many are dining will do. It feels like an important part of the initial intro of me and my party to the hostess and the restaurant is not there anymore and it has unnerved me like an awkward pause or elevator ride with strangers. The intro used to break the ice. "Three, non-smoking please...". I miss that but the change, again, is potentially great for health purposes.

A good accountability partner on your road to to change can help you add to your faith...if even to be a safe place for mistakes.

Social consequences and and rewards are good motivators too. How goofy do I feel when the host or my daughter reminds me that I don't need to say "non-smoking" anymore. But there is also the opportunity to reward myself (internally pat myself on the back) for remembering not to ask. No, it doesn't always take much for me.

A good accountability partner will always point you back to your goals (add to your faith goodness, to goodness knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, ...love)

For the person struggling with making the switch or breaking the old habit just think about what the CDC did. They put change in our faces. Posters and even trainings with pictures to learn a new way to catch a sneeze or cough. Find a way to see the change before it happens. Post pictures of your own of the goals you desire. Give your eyes an opportunity to take it in. I find having my own scriptural based affirmation and confession gives me spiritual change I can hear before I see it and I confess aloud with my mouth, repeatedly who I aim to be.

2 Peter 1:3a His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life...

or

His divine power has given me everything I need for godly life!

As easy or hard as it comes, as welcome or unwelcome as it may be change can be good!

Enjoy your day,
Hungry Disciple