AAH AUTUMN!

By: Dennis Harworth

            As the hot and humid days of summer fade into memory, the first hint of Fall stirs a quiet anticipation in our hearts.  The trees are turning into a brilliant tapestry of crimson and yellow, caramel apples start making their sweet return, and the scent in the air announces that the season of harvest has arrived.  There is something refreshing about the change of seasons with gentle reminders that new times are just ahead.  Each cool autumn breeze is invigorating and breathes new life into our souls inviting us to relax, reflect, and be renewed.    

            Just like the seasons change and transform the atmosphere of the earth, our lives will change as we allow God to work within us as we are being transformed from death into life, from sickness into health, from sorrow into joy, and from lack into abundance.  And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him. (2 Corinthians 3:18 MSG).  Just like autumn brings a refreshing beauty to the earth, God’s presence brings a radiant renewal to our lives.         

            God’s ultimate purpose for us is to make us into Christ’s likeness.  The more and more we become like Him, the more we discover the true identity and purpose for which God created us to be.  This transformation is not a one-time event – it is a continual process as we draw closer to God.  This process will not happen without change in one way or another.  It could be an attitude adjustment, a change of direction, a behavioral change, or a softening of the heart.  It is important to embrace change because it is a vital part of both life and spiritual maturity.  Through change, God can shape and refine us into the fullness of the person we were meant to be.

Change is a part of life, especially in the life of a Christian.  Your spiritual walk should be one of continuous transformation.  God does not want you to stay the same, but to grow and mature spiritually in order to reflect more of His character, nature, and attributes over time.  How then, can you bring this change, you might ask?  Here are three ways: 

REFORM YOUR HEART

True change starts in the heart.  It is not enough to just attempt to change your actions because it will only be temporary.  You can’t do this on your own either.  In order to reform your inner life, you need to allow God to give you a new heart with new and right desires, and put in you a new spirit. (Ezekiel 36:26a NLT).  By removing the heart of stone and replacing it with a heart of flesh, God offers you a fresh start and desires that match His.

CONFORM YOUR LIFE

Once your heart is reformed, your life must begin to reflect the changes.  To conform your life means you must die to your fleshly desires and selfish ambitions and realize Christ lives in you by faith in Him. (Galatians 2:20).  Choosing to live this life of daily surrender will reflect the transformation of Jesus living in you.

TRANSFORM YOUR MIND

Transformation requires a renewed mind because your thoughts shape your actions. What you think and believe affects how you live.  If there is no change in your thinking, your life won’t change either.  Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  (Romans 12:2 NLT).  This happens you when spend time in God’s Word, in His presence, and meditating on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. (Philippians 4:8 NLT).  As your mind gets renewed, your life gloriously changes as you start to understand God’s will and live according to His purpose.      

The more you know Jesus through His Word and His presence, the more you are empowered – and inspired – to change.  Spending time in the Word helps to discover God’s desire for you to be more like Him.  The real transformation begins when God’s Word moves you from information to revelation, creating not just the ability to change, but the deep desire to do so.  Then, as your heart is reformed, your life is conformed, and your mind transformed, you will become more like Jesus.  So, embrace and enjoy this new season of change like the cool invigorating breeze of… AUTUMN.