Desperate to Affect Real Change
There are areas in my life that I long to change. My critical nature (especially with my family) is a biggie.
I’ve tried for years to instigate that change, to be more gracious and long-suffering. Yet it seems I merely do the 1/2-step dance—1 step forward, 2 back.
No matter how much I strive, in my own strength I fail to instill any real, long-lasting change.
Because change, real change must begin deep inside, and only the Lord can reach in that far. Only the Creator can transform and renew His creation. (←Tweet this!)
So as I stumble in this area yet again, I’ve finally decided to surrender control to the Lord. I’m tired of wondering how my criticism is affecting my family. I’m tired of the guilt and regret after I’ve opened my mouth and tear down … yet again.
It’s time for me to claim the cleansing power of Jesus Christ. To allow Him to root out the seed of criticism that lays nestled in the fertile soil of my fallen nature.
It won’t be easy. But is real, effective change ever easy?
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires” (Romans 13:14).
Share in the Discussion: Do you see yourself in the words of this post? Do have a vice you’ve struggled to get rid of … and failed? How can I support you in prayer?
Linking with Lisa-Jo on the prompt “Root.”
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By His grace ≈
Julie
Find hope in your real-life struggles. We'll chase it together! I am a wife; mom of 4 (including a young adult daughter with special needs); miscarriage mom of 5; author & follower of Jesus Christ. I write, edit, speak and enjoy everything outdoors.
Love your honest and real post, Julie. Here’s a prayer for you.
Lord, I thank You for helping Julie to bring her sin (critical spirit) to Your light. I praise You, merciful God, that You’ve forgiven, purified, and cleansed her of this. I exalt You, Oh God, who alone can transform and renew! I ask that You will set a guard over Julie’s mouth that she will choose kind words that bless, better, benefit, encourage, heal, and give life–most immediately to her family. May You enable her eyes to see fast fruit produced in her life as she submits and resubmits her mouth to You. Help Julie Think!Say!Do! in step with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Thanks for encouraging me on TLV!
Thank you so much for your prayers for me, Shannon. Can never have enough. Blessings.
I just came right behind you and my, how you have touched me. I am in that area too, Julie and worst, my son has it more than I have. So it hurts too. It is okay when they say it is a constructive one, but still it hurts. And I do believe I have hurt others before.
Yes only the Lord can reach that far down-deep in our heart. All we need do is surrender and let go, let Him.
Be praying for each other in this regard. I appreciate how open you are. Thanks.
Thanks, Lolita. Praying for you and your son as well.
Love your honesty – thank you. You are right – God transforms and heals those twisted roots.
Amen!
I enjoy your writing.
Thanks, shortybear!
I believe in Christ most whole ferverently, but look at the world we live in. Have we been good Shepards of this planet? Focusing internally and on Christ is fine, but our ecosystems are dying and we with it. Do you think we are worthy of salvation? More importantly, does Christ.
Absolutely not on both questions, Susie. We are definitely in a sorry state. Some of us are, some are not, good shepherds of Earth. But none of us even come close to being worthy of salvation–and we never will on our own! God knew/knows that, that’s why He sent His Son to take the punishment for our sins. By grace through faith we are saved (Ephesians 2:8), not by anything we have or could ever do. Jesus Christ made us worthy through His death on the cross. I agree we need to be good stewards of this planet–it was entrusted into our care. However, Earth as we know it will pass away–it is temporal, not eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18, 1 Corinthians 7:31). So we must fix our hope–all of it–on the promise of salvation that has been given to all true believers. Thank you for your thoughts. Resting in His grace.