Growth Is All About Change | Northstar Church

Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” – Warren Wiersbe

A new you for a new decade. The word new infers new and improved. And who doesn’t want to be better this year than last year and this decade compared to the last 10 years? Who wouldn’t want to be a better Christian, a better spouse, parent, boss or employee? Who wouldn’t want to be more loving, more joyful, more at peace, more considerate, and more disciplined? A new and improved you requires change. The problem is we tend to thrive in a routine. We don’t like change very much.

Changes can be overwhelming, confusing, even terrifying even when necessary. And although it is tempting to run from change, we can never escape it. Wherever you are today or whenever you are reading this, I’m 99 percent sure that you are going through some sort of change(s) in your life right now. The change may be huge or so slow and subtle, that you may not even know you are undergoing it. But as things change around us we cannot remain the same. In order to fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you have to grow. In order to grow, you may need to change—this is the only way you move forward.

Change is inevitable when you grow spiritually. You have to want to change and not be afraid of it. Leviticus 20:26 says, “You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.” Our goal should be to grow closer to the Lord each day. A transformative relationship with God is rooted in the understanding that without a willingness to change and grow, we cannot grow into that which God has called us to be. In other words, don’t be satisfied with where you are in your relationship with God. Set some spiritual goals that stretch your faith.

The Christian life is fundamentally a changed life. And it is never too late or too early to make changes. Regardless of what season of life you are in or how long you have been a Christian, you can change. Jesus equipped you to experience the abundant life of glorifying God in all you do.

Don’t fear change. Embrace change. It is helpful to remind ourselves that change is God’s idea, He orchestrates it, and it never takes Him by surprise. He doesn’t fear it, neither should we.

Discussion Questions:

What changes would you like to make in your life? What are the obstacles to making those changes?
What changes would you make as a result of this week’s sermon on goals?