Series on Tim Chester’s You Can Change: God’s Transforming Power for Our Sinful Behavior and Negative Emotions
I’m reading You Can Change: God’s Transforming Power for Our Sinful Behavior and Negative Emotions
From chapter 1, What Would You Like to Change?
In Romans 8, Paul says that God uses everything that happens to us to make us like Jesus, both good and bad. Indeed, the bad things become in some sense good for us because they make us like Jesus. In themselves they may be evil, but God uses them for the good of those who love him, and that good is that we become more like Jesus. This isn’t a letdown. We shouldn’t be disappointed that the promise of good things turns out to be conformity to Christ. It’s not like offering a child a meal deal from McDonald’s and then giving them a McSalad. We know that salad is good for us, but we’d rather enjoy a Big Mac. Jesus isn’t just good for us-he is good itself. He defines good. The secret to gospel change is being convinced that Jesus is the good life and the fountain of all joy. Any alternative we might choose would be a letdown.
Sometimes doesn’t it feel like the truth and promises of God’s Word are just idealistic and too far removed from our self-complicated lives? Are we convinced that Jesus is good and the fountain of joy?
Jesus is the perfect person, the true image of God, the glory of the Father. God’s agenda for change is for us to become like Jesus (Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 2:5; 1Peter 2:21).
What do you think?
” The secret to gospel change is being convinced that Jesus is the good life and the fountain of all joy.”
This was the line that really popped out at me. So simple, but so true. Working with college students, I find that the biggest wall to climb is the one of communicating that THIS relationship is where true wholeness and holiness is found. I think with so much ultra hip, ego-centric ministry, college students are being conditioned to believe that a few “New Testament Prophets” are sent up the mountain to bring down the next thing that will make them feel good, rather than being challenged to personally and communally seek the Living Jesus. A result is that they wonder why their perseverance can only go as far as the last talk or song can inspire them.
While I am certain I still do this in my own way (like letting my perseverance go only as far as my last “success” or accomplishment can inspire me), one of the most secure things I have ever learned is the value of solitude and silence with the Savior.
Good start Spence