November is a time of change. Summer days are behind us. Autumn is here. Winter is knocking on the door. Thanksgiving and Christmas will soon arrive. It’s time to get into the holiday spirit!
Change is often difficult for us. We prefer our comfort zone. It’s familiar. A routine life is an easier life.
Yet change fills our lives. We are all growing older. Children change weekly. Adults experience constant changes in their health. Working adults find their jobs constantly changing.
Perhaps, when Jesus said, “You must be born again,” he meant practicing the ability to change in the face of daily living. Jesus’ call to be born again is far more than a one-time event. Jesus means for us to keep following him and to grow into the love for God and neighbor, which is an ever-changing landscape.
I came across a useful insight on how we change:
“People change when they...
hurt enough that they have to,
learn enough that they want to, and
receive enough that they are able to.”
If we’re honest, we resist change. Likely, we will change only if we are compelled to change. Yet, I think we want to live better, have a more rewarding life. Of course, such a desire will involve changes in your life.
Jesus encourages us to see that we can change for the better in God’s terms. No wonder Jesus calls to us, “Be born again,” because we can be born again. God is with us to help us change and grow spiritually and heartfully.
Whatever changes you need or want, receive God’s guidance of love and grace. Practice God’s love and grace in your life. It will change you and move you forward towards a better life.
Prayer: “Our gracious Lord, forgive our stubborn ways when we resist your love and grace. Help us and guide us to see that we can be born again, and again, by and into your Word and Spirit. Amen.”
Peace,
Curtis