As a minister, early in my ministry I had the erronious notion that it was my job to change people. But as time passes and brings wisdom, it became apparent that I cannot change anyone. Only as a person is exposed to God's Word and His agent the Holy Spirit does one change.
You may be familiar with the Serenity Prayer:
"God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference."
It has been around so long that we overlook its timeless wisdom and insight. Recently, I came across a variation:
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the person I cannot change,
The courage to change the person I can,
And the wisdom to know that I am that person"
Now I know that I can only change me. That change comes when God's powerful word gets into my heart and the Holy Spirit brings it out into my life. Then change occurs for God's glory, not mine. As Paul reminded Timothy, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (1 Timothy 3:16-17).
Any changes needed in your life? Let God's Word instruct you and God's Spirit to empower you to the change that is needed!
