SEARCHLIGHT
How have you changed since you decided to make Jesus the leader of your life?
SCRIPTURE
Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation-but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Romans 8:12-14 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
Is the Christian life revolutionary or evolutionary? In reality, it is neither one nor the other. It is both. When you become a Christian, you experience both a revolution and evolution, both radical change and moderate change, both immediate change and gradual change. Understand this truth by looking at how the United States became a nation.
Revolutionary change is sudden. It quickly happens. The United States experienced the Revolutionary War which is also known as the American War of Independence. British governmental control of the United Colonies [also known as the 13 Colonies] was overthrown when delegates from the Colonies banded together to declare freedom from the British Empire. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence which announced secession from British rule. In September 1776, the delegates changed their name from the United Colonies to the United States.
Evolutionary change is slow. Something is often overlooked or forgotten. The War of Independence, which was the war for total freedom from British rule, was fought from 1775 until 1783. It lasted just over 7 long years. This meant there was resistance by many people and a great loss of life. Although there was an immediate declaration to become independent, there was also a much slower process in experiencing complete freedom throughout all the areas of the Colonies.
What changes when you become a Christian? Does the change come fast or slow? To “become” a Christian, there must be revolution but to “be” a Christian there must be evolution. Revolution must precede evolution. You cannot make yourself a Christian. There must be rapid, immediate change followed by every day, continuous, little-by-little change. You must become “born again” and then you must begin to “live again.” Change is both now and ongoing…quick and slow…revolutionary and evolutionary.
When you become a “born again” believer you experience a transformational revolution. There is a turnaround. It is immediate. You admit you are a sinner, believe that Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sin, confess to Him your desire to become “born again,” and follow Jesus. You do a “U-turn.” You substitute your self-centered belief system for a Christ-centered belief system. Your old leadership which was you is traded for the new leadership of Jesus. You make Him your personal Savior. The old way of governing or doing things is thrown out and a new way of governing your life is implemented. Your life now begins to revolve around Jesus.
Your personal, spiritual revolution causes radical change to take place. Rather than trying to live life your way, you choose to live life Jesus’ way. You become a new creation. Jesus Christ changes you from the inside out. He gives you a new heart and a new start in life. Your revolutionary change is complete. Jesus forgives your sin and forgets about who you were because you have now become a child of God, a member of God’s worldwide family. You decide to change the principles and values which previously led your life. They were not working. You were separated from knowing God in a personal way so you leave your old life and take on a new way of living. That is real change. However, there is much more to follow your spiritual revolution. You must learn to live by the new guidelines. You have been “born again” but you must now learn to “live again.”
When you begin to “live again” as a believer, you experience an internal evolution. Gradual change takes place. You begin to learn how to make Jesus not just your Savior but the Lord of your life. You become more like Jesus Christ as you discover the new part you play in life. He gives you a new heart and a new start but what is your new role in life? The Holy Spirit slowly but consistently changes you to become more like Him. He replaces former perspectives, attitudes and values with Godly ones. You begin to make Godly decisions rather than “me” decisions. Your new beliefs begin to change your goals which leads to ongoing behavioral change. This is not a fast change but more of a process over time. It is step by step because you are learning to trust Jesus in all the areas of your life. Your life is evolving into Christlikeness.
Here is what you really need to know about becoming a Christian and being a Christian. You experience both a spiritual revolution and evolution. First, you experience salvation which is immediate. Your sin is forgiven and you establish a personal relationship with the living
God. Then you experience sanctification which is gradual. Your sinful ways of living and thinking begin to drop and you become holy [Christ-like]. Celebrate both your personal revolution and evolution. You are God’s child who is looking more like your Heavenly Father.
SOMETHING TO DO
What changed when you experienced your spiritual revolution? What is changing as you experience your spiritual evolution?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for saving me and sanctifying me from myself. AMEN