Session 18

You were made for change

From Colossians: A 28-Day Devotional

In school, we learned how a caterpillar builds a chrysalis and, over time, emerges as a butterfly. While inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar is growing and changing, and when it comes out, the change becomes apparent to anyone who sees it.

Spiritual changes happen in much the same way. Jesus accepts us as we are, but He loves us too much to let us stay that way. Over time, the Lord changes us from the inside out.

Colossians 3:9-10 reminds us that we have "taken off the old self" and "put on the new self." Once we know Jesus, we can’t go back to the people we were before.

As we listen to Jesus and do what He says, our desires change. We begin to think and act and love as He did. We look less like the rest of the world, and more like our Savior and King.

This transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but in time, everyone around us can see: We are not who we used to be.

Just like a caterpillar’s fullest potential is not to stay a caterpillar, our fullest potential is not to stay the way we are. Surrender to Jesus today, and ask Him to make the change in your heart unmistakable.

Reflect:

• How has your life changed since you met Jesus?
  
• Are there parts of your life where your old self is still showing? Ask Jesus where you might have opportunities to put on your new self today.