Ever look at someone else and wonder why Christianity seems to come so easy to them? Choices and changes and challenges all seem to be a breeze. Well... maybe some of them are a breeze, but that's not the normal Christian life. I get caught up in thinking something's wrong with me or unique about me that growing in Christ has so many hurdles and is such a struggle, don't you? It's not so much a breeze as a hurricane wind about to blow me to pieces. Here's a quick look at some of the faulty ideas we sometimes have about the process God uses to change us. Not seeing these things correctly can lead to discouragement, lack of growth, and focusing on things that won't actually lead to making us like Christ.

Change is Easy and Fast

Refuting the Myths of Christianity (part 4)

 

Jesus: “I’m here inviting outsiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out.” Luke 5:32 Msg

 

 

The Realities of How Change Happens in Me

 

Do not continue living like those who do not believe.      Ephesians 4:17 NCV

 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.        Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

 

 

* Myth: Change Is Easy and Fast

 

           Truth: Realize Some Things Take Time

 

An imagination and conscience shaped under those conditions isn’t going to change overnight.    1 Corinthians 8:7 MSG

 

Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.        Colossians 2:6-7 NLT

 

 

* Myth: My Problems Are Keeping Me from Growing

 

           Truth: Recognize My Difficulties Are Not Detours

 

The pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have ....         2 Corinthians 7:9 NLT

 

 

* Myth: It’s Someone Else’s Fault I Haven’t Changed

 

          Truth: Just Concentrate on Me

 

Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame!         Hosea 4:4 NLT

 

 

* Myth: Knowing the Truth Is the Key

 

          Truth: Practice the Truth

 

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.         James 1:22 NLT

 

... those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right.     Hebrews 5:12-14 NLT

 

 

* Myth: It’s All Up To God

 

         Truth: Cooperate with God Daily

 

Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?  Luke 6:46 NIV

 

Don't let sin rule your body... Instead, give yourselves to God. ... to do what is right.      Romans 6:11-13 NIrV

 

Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it.    Romans 12:2 Msg

 

 

* Myth: I Can Manage It Myself

 

          Truth: Be a Vital Part of God’s Family

 

He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.           Ephesians 4:16 GWV