Godly Change Within

God wants our lives to be an open book. Therefore, he longs to rid us of all hidden sin: dishonesty, underhandedness, deception, lying, fraud. That is why the Holy Spirit searches out everything in us that is not like Christ. If we truly want to change, we’ll open up to his dealings.

You can forget about counseling, seeking self-help, or restoring relationships until you experience God’s change in each of these areas. Put everything on the back burner until you’re ready to renounce your hidden sin. When you have submitted to God’s Word and the transforming power of his Spirit, you won’t have to convince others you’ve changed. As you walk in his truth, the Holy Spirit will commend you to the consciences of everyone around you.

“But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 4:2, NKJV).

The Greek word for “commending” means God’s approval. Paul says, “You won’t have to impress anybody that you’ve changed. God will move on their conscience, telling them inwardly, ‘This person has my blessing and approval.’”

No argument can refute the inner evidence of God’s Spirit in you. In fact, your change will either attract others or become a rebuke to them. The aura of Christ emanating from you will strike their very conscience. That’s when you will find the power to influence others through the changes taking place in you. You’ll find relationships being restored, and you’ll recover your spiritual authority in your home.

You will no longer dwell on the changes that need to take place in others. Instead, you will be so encouraged by the changes God is working in you that you’ll realize, “Lord, I know everything is in your hands, and I resign myself to your will. Just do what has to be done in me.”

Now is the time to give all your circumstances over into his hands. Forget trying to be delivered out of your crisis. Instead, focus on God’s changes in you as he makes you an overcomer. Stay in his Word, call diligently on his name, and trust the Holy Spirit. Make this the constant cry of your heart: “Change me, O God.”