Since I’ve had kids and the stress has increased in my life, I’ve been struck with how deep of a sinner I am and have been left grappling with the question of, “HOW DO I CHANGE?” I thought this week’s lesson in Self-Confrontation really addressed that well.
***WE CAN’T CHANGE BIBLICALLY UNLESS WE HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. Sure, you may be able to pull off some behavior modification, but it’s only through HIS strength that we can have the power to conquer sin in our lives.
***So, what does it mean to be a Christian? Do you just have to be a church-goer? Will it suffice if you only show up for the Easter and Christmas service? Just say that you believe in God’s existence? This week’s lesson taught us that becoming a Christian involves confessing and turning from our sin to Jesus Christ who is God in the flesh. It is only by His grace that we are saved from our sin (Ephesians 2:8-9). I try to meditate on the wonder of it all. How can we not be joyful when we have been given such a gift that we don’t deserve? I’m so thankful that Karma isn’t true. I’d be in for it. The life that Jesus laid down made atonement for my sin and now I’m free from it’s punishment.
Lesson 1:
Wow! This study is changing my life drastically. For the longest time I “felt” as though things were not working in my life because God had not revealed this grand plan I was to be a part of. It was obstacle after obstacle with me seeking God for help, but never a break through or answer.
This study along with another small book I am doing have helped to reveal some major truths and major struggles.
1. The problems were always because of other people. This is bad or not working because so in so is: fill in the blank
2. If only God would answer my prayers and help me to over come this problem or send me to some foreign land where I can really be useful for Him.
For so long I had failed to self confront, I had failed to see my deep seeded sin. I was somewhat the pro at behavior modification, but had never really confronted the heart of the problem. This had lead me to a very self focused life, where I was very much preoccupied with how I could make my life “better” or “work” leading me to be a mouse running on a wheel, going no where. I was “seeking” God’s will for my life and Lord I will listen if you would only show me what I am suppose to do. Little did I know he had been putting circumstances, and people in my life for sometime to show me and help grow me. However, I had turned on them and had relationships that were struggling because I did not like what they were saying.
” While struggling with these ups and downs, many believers are not seeking to minister to others as part of God’s plan to make disciples. they are too preoccupied with their own lives, caught up in the midst of personal and interpersonal problems.”
Finally, this study has opened my eyes to the fact that I am the one that needs to change and that through Christ I have the ability to change. I can see that I never understood the difference between man’s way and God’s way. I was too focused on my self and what God could do for me, instead of being focused on living for Him.
I felt the whole behavior modification, really trying, was living for Him but I was wrong.
This study has been a total blessing and I can truly say it has changed my life. I am grateful that God placed a patient husband in my life and truly godly friends to encourage me along the way. I can only imagine how prickly I have been. I can’t promise I will cease being difficult, but I trust God knows what I need and will send the next person my way to encourage and correct me.
My dependency on scripture has been great the past two weeks, I pray it will continue. Colby Garman once said, ” Everytime God draws our attention toward Himself, He is drawing us to our greatest good. Anytime we draw people toward ourselves we are drawing them away from their greatest good!”
That pretty much sums up this study for me. It is drawing my attention solely to God, my greatest good. Prior to this I was constantly drawing myself away from Him by being so self focused.
“For by grace we are saved through faith, not of ourselves, it is a gift of God not of works, lest any man should boast” Eph 2:8-9
Wow, Jadey! I’m so glad this study is impacting you so much! Can you imagine…and it’s only week three! I can totally relate to your struggles. I have always thought that the problems in my life would best be solved by OTHER people changing. I look forward to hearing how else this study is impacting you in future posts!
Like Annie, I was most struck by the “Why hasn’t every person in the world been discipled?” portion. Although, having just gone through my “life change” myself, I can say that for too many years I let Christians show me what it’s like to be Christian, and… I’m sorry to say, that was a mistake. I don’t want to be a “Debbie Downer”, but most times, scripture isn’t presented with love and compassion; so much so, that when it IS, non-believers are very skeptical. Unfortunately, most non-believers are under the impression that Christains think they are, themselves, better than those who don’t believe. I think one of the most productive things I can continue to do is confront myself with the fact that because I believe in the resurrection of Jesus, or because I am baptized doesn’t mean I will go to heaven, nor does it mean that God gives me more grace than anyone else. We are all in need of grace; it is without a doubt the only reason why we exist. To me, looking at my own faults is relatively easy, asking for forgiveness is even easier, it’s knowing how to NOT see the sins of others that is hard. It’s a tough concept: how can I see others with as much love and compassion as Jesus? Not with judgement, or sympathy…but just kindness?
Thanks for sharing, Maggie! I’m glad we have the perspective of a new believer here. You’re right…Non-Christians have a lot of baggage and Christians don’t always do a good job presenting the gospel with love and compassion.