Change: From the Inside Out or the Outside In? the headline read, reflecting a popular trend todaythe idea that outward changes like a makeover or better posture can be an easy way to change how we feel on the insideand even change our lives.
Its an appealing conceptwho wouldnt want improving our lives to be as easy as a new look? Many of us have learned the hard way that changing deep-rooted habits can seem nearly impossible. Focusing on simple external changes offers hope that there is a quicker path toward improving our lives.
But although such changes can improve our lives, Scripture invites us to seek a deeper transformationone that is impossible on our own. In fact, in Galatians 3 Paul argued that even Gods lawa priceless gift that revealed His willcouldnt heal the brokenness of Gods people (vv. 1922). True healing and freedom required them to, through faith, be clothed in Christ (v. 27) through His Spirit (5:5). Set apart and shaped through Him, they would find their true identity and worthevery believer equally an heir to all of Gods promises (3:2829).
We could easily devote much energy to self-improvement techniques. But the deepest and most satisfying changes in our hearts come in knowing the love that surpasses knowledge (Eph. 3:1719)the love that changes everything.
INSIGHT
How does Gods love transform us? Second Corinthians 5:1718 tells us, If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ. As Christians we are already new, transformed creatures through Christs death for our sins. But that doesnt mean our transformation is complete. Whats our part in this transformation? We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18) so that we are no longer infants in Christ (1 Cor. 3:1). And we are to no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind (Rom. 12:2). But we dont accomplish this on our own. The Holy Spirit is at work inside us. As we contemplate the Lords glory, [we] are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18).
As we pray, read the Bible, and fellowship with God, the Holy Spirit reveals more about Jesus, helps us to love Him more, and transforms us to more closely resemble Him.