We have been learning that if we are to make a heart change, we must be
willing to not only serve others but also to accept all situations,
circumstances, and people exactly where they are at.
To accomplish this, I encourage and challenge you to give up using your
willpower. By simply walking the walk, you put yourself in the place where you
can be changed.
Unfortunately, we are human and it is in our nature to try to make
things happen. We are impatient, controlling, and prideful. These
characteristics are all about us. A minister friend of mine calls this “Meism”
and it is not about God and others.
If you are truly going to experience a heart change then you have to
allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to gradually
transform you into the likeness of Jesus. Remember, your salvation is not just
an event. It is a work of transformation sustained by God’s grace. Changing
behavior without being transformed by the Holy Spirit is a shallow and futile
human effort.
I can guarantee that this will not be easy, and you will have to face
things in your past that are painful. You will need to grieve your losses, and
you will need to cry out for God’s mercy and grace to help you through the hard
times. I am a witness and a living testimony that this works.
I challenge you to become all you can be for your children. Guide,
lead, and direct them in the ways of the Lord. Your children are just temporary
gifts for you to take care of, and you will be blessed beyond measure for
loving God’s children.
When we do this, God is pleased. When we do this, others benefit.
***
Ken Thom, MS, LPC is a nationally recognized Christian counselor and
writer. He is available for parent and individual coaching. Ken is a Post
Institute Certified Family Regulatory Therapist, Certified Coach and Great
Behavior Breakdown Instructor as well as a certified BCI parent trainer. Ken's
book Christian Parent Wisdom is a daily scripture based medication book for parenting
children with challenging behaviors. Contact Ken.
