"Who Would I Change?"

   Let's give you something to think about in an unusual way. I want you to really think about this for a few moments. Think of those in your life or in the congregation where you attend and if you had the power to change one person, who would you change? Maybe it's a father or mother, a kin-folk or that mean spirited person who always seems to distract people with comments when we assemble to study and worship our God. Who would you like to see changed? Maybe it's the one who is always seeing the negative side no matter how good things are going. What about an elder? A preacher? If you were given the power to change one person, who comes to mind? Do you have someone in mind? Now, write their name down. Go ahead, I'll wait. Take a little piece of paper, or a corner of a notepad or maybe a calendar and jot down their name or initials. Have you done it? Please read no further until you have done this! Look closely at who you put down. What really bothers you about them? Think about them for a few seconds as you read. What kind of changes do they need to make?

  Let's make this a reality. You do have the power to change someone. That someone is you! "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye." (Luke 6:42) Yes, we all have our flaws don't we? We have the power to change one person and it is us! It is easy to see the flaws and mistakes of others but there is something that seems to prevent us from seeing our own. 

  I've sat and listened to people attack others with relentless words. Attacks on the elders, other members, while trying to pull verses to provide them with more ammo. Verses at times used in ways they shouldn't be used trying to make a weakness look like sin. While they sit and condemn, they can't see themselves. They can't see their ungodly disposition. They can't recogize their disdain and hateful attitude. They think themselves as above and right. It's only when we are sincere and serious about our own lives that we can see clearly how to help another with their speck. You will help another, not condemn!! 

  One of the greatest lessons I've learned in all my years of preaching/teaching is to take care of my own heart and faith! I am flawed. God knows that and I am very aware of that. Preaching is about using God's word to effect change in all lives as God intended but it speaks to me as I say the words. I must deal with God too! I expect it to affect my heart first and foremost. The rest God will deal with.

  The next time you find yourself thinking that a congregation would be better if this change or that change would be better in your eyes, you might take a step back and think how you are affecting things with your attitude. What if it is you who needs the greatest change? Welcome to the realm of God where change needs to take place in the church and the blind region that needs to be addressed is...SELF!