"You can't teach an old dog new tricks...can a leopard change its spots...you'll never change him...". I have been wondering if people can change? Can I change? Am I a complex milieux of upbringing, genetics, learnt behaviour and experiences that have made me the way I am? That's it. Or can I change?
Ours must be a faith that believes in the transforming power of the gospel and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to change lives. We even sing the popular refrain:...for His power at work in me is changing me". Changing what? Personality? Character? Behaviour?
When we read the gospel stories there are many people-changing encounters with Christ: Zacheus, Mary Magdalen, Nicodemus, even the thief on the cross. But what changed? I do not think our inherent personality changes - coming to Christ may not mean an high-end Introvert suddenly becomes and Extrovert and why should they? I do think our behaviour can change as a result of an encounter with Christ and our character - I became loving for instance; others experience and walk in new found joy, peace etc.
Can people change? Yes, I believe they can. But do they want to?
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