Change is a part of the Christian life. We are supposed to be changing as we grow in Christ. We are supposed to become more Christlike in our character, our commitments, and our attitudes. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Change is good for a Christian. As we learn and grow and develop in our spiritual life, we are being changed by the Spirit to become mature in our thinking and in our actions and in our commitments.
But sadly, this is not the change that is happening in many Christians’ lives today. Christians are changing in the wrong direction. Have you been a Christian for a while? If so, look at the other Christians you have known for years and see if their life is not based on different commitments now than in the past.
Look at your own life. Do you participate in activities now, that in the past you condemned? Do you dress now in ways you would not have done in the past? Do you go to places now that in the past you would not have been able to go to because of your beliefs? What about the friends you have now? Are they different than the friends you had in the past in how they live and view Christianity? Have you left behind friends in your life because they did not accept the changes you have made in your life?
Having walked with the Lord now for all of my adult life, I have had many different Christian friends. I am grateful to my parents who were willing to reach out beyond their little circle and develop friendships with Christians from all walks of life; different countries, different backgrounds, and different denominations. I adopted their perspective and have had the opportunity to know Christians from many circles, places, and beliefs.
Sadly, most all of the Christians I have known through the years have changed. And most of them have changed in the way that I am talking about here. They have changed course in their Christian life. They have put aside commitments that they made. They have adopted practices that previously they would not have done. Some have changed churches and attend now where their new life style is more acceptable. They have changed.
This change has not been good. This type of change falls under the category of apostasy – a falling away. A movement in the wrong direction. A failure to keep commitments. A wrong perspective of how the Christian life should be lived. The Christian life is not one of retreat, but of going forward in the midst of challenges, struggles, discouragement, and even defeat. We go forward and allow God to change us more into what we should be to reflect the life of Christ in us. We do not retreat or go in a direction that is more accepting of the world’s ways.
I have written often here about choices that God brought into my life when I was a young man. When I made those commitments, somehow in my mind those commitments were for life. When I totally dedicated myself to God, I meant it for life. When I answered God’s call on my life to be a preacher of the Gospel, I accepted that as a life long calling. When God brought me to the place to believe that He should be in control of how many children are born in a family and that people should not practice birth control, I considered that a permanent decision. The day I was married (over 38 years ago) I believed it was “till death do us part.” Interestingly, we did not say those exact words ourselves that day, but I most certainly believed it and believe it still.
What about you dear Christian. What is the testimony of your life?
Maybe you are someone who knows me and you are thinking I am writing this for you. I am not. You have made your choice. I learned years ago that it did not do much good to talk to friends who made these type of changes. It did not bring about good results. So to my memory, for many years I have avoided those conversations. So these thoughts are not directed to the friends in my life who have changed, that is between you and God.
I am writing these thoughts to others like myself who have seen this happen in their life. I am writing to those who have made commitments, allowed God to change you, trusted God in difficult situations and stayed true to who you were.
You are not alone. But you are walking on a narrow way. You are walking a path not often tread. You are most certainly feeling lonely, secluded, maybe rejected, and possibly thinking you are the one that is wrong.
Be encouraged my friend. If you are truly following Christ and being led by Him and He is giving you the desire and power to keep to the path He has led you on, you are not alone. You are walking on hallowed ground. You are walking where the saints of old have walked. You are having fellowship with all of God’s people who have been found faithful in the midst of times where most fell by the wayside. Read of the saints from Abraham, Noah, Joseph, and Daniel. All through the Scriptures the stories are told of those that were found faithful in the midst of an unfaithful generation.
You may feel as if it is not a place you want to be, but you are in a glorious place. A place where God can reside. A place where God can direct and bless and lead. You are in the will of God and we are told in Scripture that God is looking for someone just like you. 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. 1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.
If there was a time for God’s people to be found faithful, now is the time. Let us pray for one another and encourage one another and let us walk in a manner worthy of our calling as the Apostle Paul exhorted the Christians in Thessalonica, 1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
