At some point we are all tempted to relax spiritually, settle down and stop growing, at least in some areas of our Christian life.  Although we desire spiritual growth and change, we don’t really like change.  Why do we hate change so much?  Because it means we have to actually change.  To change is to become a different person, someone who we are not presently being, and that means death to the person we are right now.  Change means we are truly becoming a new creation in Christ!

To change means embracing the death of the sins we hate and the sins we love.  Most of us fail to change because we fail to allow God’s Spirit within us to put the old sinful nature to death.  At this point let us hold on to God’s promise that He will work in us causing us to want to obey Him.  Let us not be condemned by the command to be holy, rather, let us rejoice in the promise that He will make us holy.  Again, let us stand on the promise that He will complete the work of salvation that He started within us.

To change is to allow the Spirit of God to birth life in those areas of our heart that once gave place to sin and death.  Change means making decisions that will take us in a different direction.  Change means we will begin spending our time differently.  Change means we will begin doing new Christ-centered things that we’ve never done before. 

In order to change we must have spiritual vision.  Vision is the ability to see how our thoughts and actions affect more than this present life.  It is an understanding of how to live in a manner that not only touches the physical realm, but also touches the spiritual realm.  It is knowing how to see life in all its fullness, a fullness that includes eternity.

To be blind, on the other hand, is the inability to see more than what this present life has to offer.  It is also the inability to see that this present life really has nothing to offer.

To lack vision is to be blind.  The blind spend all of their time and energy focusing on this present life.  They chase dreams of building big houses and having large bank accounts.  Some pursue fame and notoriety.  No matter what the goal of their life might be, it is always about this present life only; and that is living in spiritual darkness.

To have vision is to change.  It is the willingness to live as though we truly believe that our real home is in heaven.  It is the boldness to lay up our treasure in heaven rather than on earth.  For no matter how much treasure we accumulate in this present life, in the end it’s all going to burn.  Vision is the ability to see where and how to store our treasure so it won’t ever be destroyed.  Vision is the ability to see Who our treasure is - Christ!

I pray that you will embrace the vision God has for your life.  May you do only those things that are pleasing to Christ.  Remember, to have vision is to change and change means making decisions that will take you in a different direction - closer to Christ!

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” Phil 2:13

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