The Evidence of a Changed Heart

"But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So, all of us who have had that veil removed, can see and reflect the Glory of the Lord. And the Lord – Who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like Him, as we are changed and transformed into His Glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT).

Welcome back dear student, we hear stories about people who have transformed their bodies, their habits, or their homes. Feel-good testimonies inspire us. We think ‘how great – and yes, I must try that too!’ Walking out a re-modelled life is exciting, but not easy. It takes blood, sweat, and tears; probably more money than was expected, and a different mindset from what one had believed before. Transformation is mentioned in Scripture as a work of the Holy Spirit.

"Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2)

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord" (Zechariah 4:6).

We too have a part to play – no longer pandering to our flesh but now being led and controlled by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:5-14). This causes confusion at times. Maybe it’s the result of too many fairy tales as children, but God is not a fairy godmother with a magic wand to whoosh us into happily ever after. Change requires change. We may have all the information in the head but putting it into practice can get lost in transit - from the first emotional response to actually carrying it through.

The Gospel message of Jesus is the good news of how God’s Love allows us to be saved, forgiven, healed, protected, and made whole. But there is a responsibility on each believer to work out our Salvation (Philippians 2:12-13). What does this mean? It means - I can talk the talk, but to see results in this life - I better walk the walk.

Sadly, many accept God’s Grace with joy, but don’t modify behaviour.

The Word prophesies that in the last days “people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, and profane. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good, traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!” (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

God’s Word in this prophecy is quite specific and shockingly, He’s talking about believers, not unbelievers. Many folks have gotten hurt in life and walked away from faith, because they have seen people who believed or preached transformation through Christ live in a quite different manner than what they professed. “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new creation, the old life is gone, a new life has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Yes, in believing and confessing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He gave His life to pay for our sins so that we can be forgiven and accepted by God, brought into His family, loved, and washed in the Blood of Christ – one is saved (Romans 10:9). But then begins transformation! Leaving behind the old life and old ways; living in obedience to Jesus, reflecting His Power in the transformed life (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Shunning bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, and hypocrisy in favour of God’s Love, Truth, and Mercy. Unfortunately, some don’t make that connection, thus taking the Blood of Christ for granted and damaging others in their path. We have been washed – now our lives need to reflect that Righteousness - not just in word, but in action. It comes through fellowshipping with, and following Jesus, not controlled by the world - but by the Spirit of God.

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the Righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:19-22).