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| Ann Arbor |
A few years ago some University of Michigan film students were making a movie about our Monroe community. I was one of their interviews. One of them, Jordan, was a U-M student who had been part of Redeemer in the past, so that's how we reconnected.
Jordan asked me, "What is the main thing you see about Monroe that needs to be changed?"
My answer was, "Me." (This is true, but not original. See G.K. Chesterton.)
I was serious about this. My ongoing transformation will set a lot of dominos falling.
If I can change for the better, and by "better" meaning into greater Christlikeness, our community will be better off.
If I can change and be a better husband to Linda, Linda will be better off.
If God changes me into a greater Jesus-like compassionate servant, then people in my church family will be better off. Others will benefit from what God is doing in me.
There's an old gospel song that goes, "It's me, it's me, it's me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer" (not "It's them, it's them, it's them..." Another worship song pleads, "change my heart O God" (not "change their hearts O God").
I can't change other people.
With God's help I can change.
To be transformed, don't focus on change, focus on God. Abide in Jesus. You cannot consistently dwell in the presence of God and remain the same.
