Why Change Feels Impossible (and How to Overcome It)
Wisdom Scripture
Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Wisdom Quote
“Wisdom is the quality of discerning what is true, what is ethically right, and what should be done in different situations.”【1】
Why Is It So Hard to Change Your Character? (Character Development)
This Fall, I will share insights from a new book I’m writing with the draft title: Build Your Character: A Practical Plan to Change, One Trait at a Time.
Why does change seem so hard, so impossible? Every year, January 1st rolls around, carrying impetus for resolutions. Each new year brings fresh hope that you can become different. Lose that weight. Save that money. Get in shape.
Then February slams you with regret. You ate the donuts, bought a new dress, and stopped going to the gym. Regret fuels a few more lame attempts to change until March drains all remaining willpower. Then, nine months later, when January 1st rolls around, you go through the same fruitless exercise again.
The Power of God in Lasting Spiritual Growth
You don’t have to live this way!
You can achieve lasting change through God’s power. With a singular focus, a clear plan, and sustained effort, you can transform one trait at a time. God’s power provides the strength you need to build your character by empowering you to overcome the seemingly impossible.
Sadly, many Christians make little progress in Christlikeness past their first few years. Why do so many Christians make such little progress in spiritual maturity? And, more importantly, how could Christians make substantial progress toward becoming more Christlike? Many believers in Christ reach a certain maturity level and hit a spiritual plateau. How can you keep growing over a lifetime?
Breaking Free from Habits and Hangups (Building Godly Character)
Most of us get stuck in habits and hangups that keep us in the same unwanted ruts. Nearly all people struggle with persistent sins and character flaws that dog them. You are consistently late, a procrastinator, have a short fuse, or can’t resist retail therapy.
People have pegged you. He’s just a sarcastic guy. She dresses for attention. They’re messy. It’s just who they are. Your coworkers, family, and friends learn to work around you. They make excuses for you, to a point, but you drive them crazy.
But through Christian character development and God’s Spirit at work in you, transformation is possible.