Change of Heart
When something is to be changed it needs to be totally broken down, torn apart, pried away from something else. Shattered even.
The definition of change includes the obvious: make or become different. Additionally, it says to make or become different ENTIRELY; transform; arrive at a fresh phase; become new.
When you seek to glorify God in everything you do, it doesn't automatically happen and it isn't easy. It takes change.
To truly serve Him in a manner that is worthy of glorifying Him, takes doing so in everything I do. Not just what I deem dutiful, every-single-thing. That's tough and it's a daily effort. I know people that make it look so easy, and for them it may truly be easy. They exude joy and peace all the time. Even when they're going through "stuff", they keep their countenance, their faith. Not me. Everyone around me suffers with me, even the dogs.
If I can't glorify Him in the little things there isn't hope of doing so in the big things. I need to be mindful of my actions and attitude when I'm alone even more than when I'm surrounded by others, because practice makes perfect right? If I allow myself to think, talk, act in an unworthy manner when I'm by myself, it's very easy slip up when I'm in the company of others.
Jesus wasn't selective of when He wanted to be good. He was good and perfect all the time. Even when He was frustrated. Even when He was exhausted. Even when He was being flogged. When those He loved were hurling insults at Him and spitting on Him, cursing and laughing at Him-He was good. God said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17. I want Him to say that about me! Don't you?
Psalms 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Create in me a CLEAN heart, a heart that doesn't want wrong. One that doesn't have bad habits and doesn't change. A heart like Jesus'. Create: bring into existence. Produce. Make. Take what I have, break it apart and make it new. Remove the bad and ugly parts, and replace them with your goodness.
I'm a work in progress. Too bad I don't have jeans made from caution tape, that way I could remind myself every day that I need to be conscience of my thoughts, feelings and expressions at all times.
*Photo from a friend
