What will we actually do to change our bad behavior?

When we do things we later regret—especially when we do them publicly or are found out in some way—we often forge great intentions to change. It’s possible the prominent leader mentioned earlier regretted his actions privately but noticed that it was effective when the one who questioned him about it was chastised. He was affirmed in this anger, and the pattern will continue. On the other hand, perhaps he kicked himself for losing his temper and asked God for the umpteenth time to change him. Such regret usually does not change us. 

But what if that person met with some folks who loved him, and together they devised some simple disciplines to help him stop managing his world with anger and contempt? Perhaps his vision of life in the kingdom—in which he didn’t insist on his own way—would fuel this intention to follow through as he was bolstered by those who loved him. Perhaps he would go on to become someone who invited questioning, and all his endeavors would profit enormously by that.

TODAY’S EXPERIMENT - Reflect for a moment on the things you’d like to see changed about yourself, especially those that would help you reflect the understanding, feelings, decisions, and character of Christ. (You may wish to write these down.) Then ask God for wisdom as you look at your list and ask yourself: What does each item tell me about who I have been all along? What has my inner life been like? How have I suffered for this? Tell God what kind of person you would like to be on the inside and what you would like your relationship with him to be like.