We’ve all asked this question at some point: “Can they really change?” Maybe it’s about a family member with a troubled past, a coworker with bad habits, or even ourselves as we struggle with our own shortcomings. The truth is, on our own, genuine transformation can seem impossible. But there’s hope – a hope found in Jesus Christ.
The story of one man’s transformation serves as a powerful testament to this hope. Once known for his violent temper and constant trouble with the law, he seemed beyond redemption. Yet, after an encounter with Jesus in prison, his life took a dramatic turn. The change was so profound that some family members couldn’t believe it was real. They clung to the old image of who he used to be, unable to accept the new man standing before them.
This story challenges us to examine our own beliefs about change. Do we truly believe that Jesus can transform anyone, no matter how far they’ve strayed? Or do we put limits on God’s power, writing off certain people as “too far gone”?
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, addresses this very issue. He reminds us that when we come to Christ, we die to our old selves and are raised to new life. This isn’t just pretty language – it’s a spiritual reality that should radically alter how we live.
Paul asks a pointed question: “Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply?” His answer is an emphatic “Absolutely not!” The grace we’ve received isn’t a license to keep sinning; it’s an invitation to a completely new way of life.
This new life in Christ isn’t about following a set of rules or cleaning ourselves up before we come to Him. Jesus wants to change us from the inside out after we come to Him. Too often, the church has put up barriers, imposing standards that Jesus never did. The truth is, Jesus doesn’t care what you wear to church, whether you’ve got tattoos, or if you’ve got a colorful past. He cares about your heart and your willingness to let Him work in your life.
The process of change – what theologians call sanctification – is just that: a process. For some, certain habits or struggles may fall away quickly. For others, it’s a longer journey. The key is to remember that we’re going from victory to victory, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
This journey of sanctification requires active participation on our part. Paul urges us, “Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires.” In today’s world, this can be incredibly challenging. We’re bombarded with temptations through our phones, computers, and media. It takes intentional effort to guard our hearts and minds.
One practical example given is the importance of protecting our “eye gates” and “ear gates” – being careful about what we allow ourselves to see and hear. In a world where pornography is just a click away, where movies and TV shows push boundaries further and further, we must be vigilant. What starts as a “small” compromise can grow into something much more destructive if left unchecked.
The good news is that we’re not fighting this battle alone. When we stumble – and we will – we serve a forgiving God. Repentance isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing part of our walk with Christ. We get up, dust ourselves off, and keep moving forward.
But here’s a challenging question: What if we put as much effort into living for God as we sometimes do in trying to hide our sins? Imagine the impact we could have if we invested the same energy into righteousness that we often pour into covering up our wrongdoings.
Consider this: Many of us work 40 hours a week for our jobs. How many hours do we dedicate to God? If we gave God even half the time we give our employers, how might our lives – and our communities – be transformed? The early disciples left everything to follow Jesus. While He may not be calling us to such a dramatic step, He is asking us to put Him in the right perspective in our lives.
The truth is, sin has no control over us except what we give it. We are under grace, not law. This isn’t an excuse to sin, but a reminder of the power we have in Christ to live differently.
As we go about our daily lives, what if we looked at every person we encountered with the belief that they are not too far gone for God to change them? What if we loved them and shared Jesus with them, regardless of their current state? We are either pushing people towards Jesus or away from Him – the choice is ours.
In the end, transformation in Christ isn’t just about us. It’s about becoming vessels through which God can work to reach others. It’s about allowing the change in our own lives to be a testimony to the power of Jesus. It’s about believing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and grace.
So the next time you’re tempted to ask, “Can they really change?” remember – with Jesus, the answer is always yes. The question is, will we believe it and live like it’s true?
Thoughts from Pastor Toney 