Living Our of Faith Values Will Bring About Change
When Jesus says to us, "Follow me" he is also saying "Expect to
change"
With the call to discipleship comes the call to change
There are Many Obstacles to Change
The first obstacle to real change is our resistance to change.
Denial, excuses, rationalizations, and especial blame, are all signs of our resistance.
If we desire to change, we must ask ourselves, "Change to what? Destination gives
directions when it comes to change. Real change happens not only when we move away from
some attitude, habit of behavior, but when we move towards a new one, one in accord with
the will of God for our lives.
Making Changes Requires Patience and Perseverance
Change does not happen all at once
We must not get discouraged when we have setbacks. If we fall off the horse of change,
then we need to get right back up on it.
When it comes to discipleship, we must make progress not seek perfection.
It is helpful to have something that serves as a reminder to us of our commitment to
change.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: The
Serenity Prayer
When we are trying to make changes in our lives, the
Serenity Prayer can be a helpful practice. Each prayer petition can be a way for us to
help bring about the change we seek.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot
change . . .
With faithful discipleship comes change. But it is important
for us to be mindful that not all change, even change that would be for the better, is
within our power to make happen. Acknowledging what we cannot change requires an act of
trust on our part, as we accept our limitations and entrust circumstances beyond our
control to God.
the courage to change the things I can . . .
When it comes to what we can change, we must first be honest
with ourselves. Do we want to change? No real and lasting change will happen without our
commitment to change. When we do seek to make change in our lives, we must anticipate that
there will be obstacles to overcome. And if we have setbacks, we need not become
discouraged. We are not perfect, and the grace of God always makes for second chances.
and the wisdom
to know the difference.
Seeking to know what we can and cannot change requires a
spirit of discernment. Through prayer and reflection God can helps us to discern the
difference.
