Change

Change

Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Rom 7:24 (NLT)

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14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:14-25 (NLT)

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We have achieved fantastic things during the past century. The scientific knowledge
and technical achievements far surpass that of previous centuries. No longer can we
say,“the letter is in the mail.” People expect emails returned in the same day, if not
in the same hour. Financial transactions can be achieved through the click of a
button or a brief telephone conversation with banking codes apparently protecting
our privacy and control. There are miracle drugs that alter lives instantaneously.
We can operate on a child before he or she is born. We can use corrective
surgery to extend quality of life for additional years.

In the midst of this fast pace, we are confronted with the need to alter our
behaviour. A person who has accepted God’s offer of forgiveness and new life soon
realizes that his or her mind has been renewed and some behaviour changes are
called for as he or she matures in Christ-likeness.

Experiences in the rest of life make it abundantly clear that change usually takes
time. It is not easy to give up old habits and develop new ones. A new way of
doing things takes effort and time to become part of our psyche.
Apparently, the apostle Paul knew the experience well.

I must admit that I have a warm appreciation for this particular passage.
Paul’s teaching is so rich as he defends the faith. He brings profound insight
concerning the challenges faced in the life of a Christ follower. Paul struggles with
sin in his life. He certainly doesn’t glory in it, but he is honest and declares that he
struggles as he seeks to follow and honour Jesus in his life. Without this passage
I would be discouraged beyond measure, but here I have it — Paul faced the
same struggles that confront me in my life and he seems to have had
the same experience of failure that I experience.

Paul’s focus, however, remains on his Saviour and friend Jesus. Paul remains true.
God has changed him and he remains determined to continue the struggle. Quitting
is not an option. He does not have complete victory as far as his personal life is
concerned, but he does have victory! His victory is in the strength and faithfulness

of his Saviour and friend, Jesus, who has confirmed the final outcome
through the changes achieved already.

The Christian faith is not a magical ploy. It is lived out in real lives, facing real
personal challenges. We are so prone to focus on the end goal. With God, it is our
relational connection that He especially treasures. Our times of deepest despair or
need can be times of special endearment as we draw close and He can draw close to
us. Feeling defeated? Welcome to the club. How about using this experience to
restate your commitment to follow Christ and to thank Him for the
victories or changes you have already experienced?

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Heavenly Father, something seems to be wrong with me. In an age of instant and
frequent change, I find it difficult to accomplish any worthwhile change in my life.
I know the areas that have to be changed; maybe not as well as You know them, but
Your Holy Spirit has certainly been nudging me to straighten up a few things. I had
thought that once I came on side with You, You would just do a makeover. It seems
that there is a fair bit of my personal effort required as well. Am I right in this
assumption? Help me to understand what is required of me and how I can work
more effectively with You in the process of personal maturing. Amen.

- Noel Churchman

Noel was the Executive Director of Christian Horizons form 1976 to 2001. The devotionals we will be using are from a book he wrote in 2005 called “Walking with God”. Noel’s reflections are grounded in his experiences as an educator, and provider of supports for individuals with exceptional needs as well as his life as a dedicated follower of Christ.