Willing to Change

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church" v18 

                                                                               Read: Matthew 16:13-19 NKJV 

Peter could be described as outspoken, brash, arrogant, impulsive and loud. However, he was rock-solid in his love and dedication to Jesus. Jesus knew this and called him, the rock, and told him He would give him the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Now that is some calling.

But, at times Peter remained just the same outspoken person and even cut off the high priest's servant's ear with a sword when Jesus was arrested (John 18:10), and then went on to deny Jesus to save his own life, using course language, 'Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know this man of whom you speak"' Mark 14:71.

No doubt when Jesus had spoken with Peter about his future role within His kingdom. he was encouraged and elated about this accolade. But his behaviour was short-lived, as we've seen. because he had a short-fuse. He wanted to change and be more like Jesus but, he found it difficult. No doubt, you can identify with this. You want to live for Jesus and you are willing to change but then, something comes along and delivers you back to your old self. You feel ashamed, guilty and like a person with no hope.

Romans 12:2 says, 'do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind - '. Notice that we aren't conforming or transforming our minds, someone else is. When God has all of us and when the world has none of us, God does the work of renewing our confused minds. He brings our thoughts into line with His own so that we think God's thoughts.

Therefore, if we are willing to change, we must live a God-centred life, sold out completely to Him. Once we determine to live for Jesus in this way, He meets us in the middle and begins the transforming work. We can't change ourselves but, we can be determined to change. When we are, God will help us achieve our goal. It took Peter a little while to achieve this and it came as Jesus reinstated him (John 21:15-19).

You will still make mistakes because you are not perfect, but you will have registered your choice and determination to change and Jesus will take you up on this.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

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