The first day of a high school public speaking class changed me, an extremely shy child, forever. Each student interviewed another and introduced that person in a speech. Things would have turned out different had I have gone before my interview partner. My fellow student pointed out I was extremely quiet so he had a hard time getting information. He closed with these words – “I believe, however, that still waters run deep.” I had come face to face with how I was perceived. I agonized over his description. I was an introverted young teenager. I did not want to be that person. I wanted to be heard and noticed. I wanted to express myself. I wanted to be different. I made up my mind that I would change – I would not be that shy teenager any longer. During the eight introductions between his speech and mine, I changed. When my speech introducing him was completed, the teacher asked him if he was sure he had interviewed me. After the class ended, I was asked to be on the speech team. The girl that had walked into that class never left – a new girl emerged.
As Christians, we are in a constant state of sanctification. Philippians 2:12 reminds us to “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Not because we are saved through our works, but our faith works together with the Holy Spirit and our efforts to progress us towards being a mirror of Christ’s characteristics. One of the lists of a believer’s traits can be found in 2 Peter 1. I read that list (self-control, godliness, brotherly kindness, etc.) and realize there is much work to be done within myself. I read books, listen/watch teachings on Christian traits, and read scriptures over myself. Permanently changing my character is not easy. Knowledge does not always bring change – I need practical application.
When I lie in bed at night, I reflect on my day. First I think about what I did that mirrored Christ’s image – being kind to the clerk who kept talking to her friend on the phone instead of helping me, or stopping to help someone even though it made me late. Then my thoughts turn to what I didn’t get right – any type of negative behavior. I examine myself to find out why I acted or reacted badly. I concentrate on my behavior only. What someone else does or doesn’t do should not dictate my actions or reactions. We are all in different places of being a reflection of Christ’s characteristics. I can only change me so that’s where I focus. I brainstorm how I could have handled a particular situation better. I relive the event in my mind handling it anew.
Paul said in Romans 7:15 “…For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.” Changing our character is difficult, but with God all things are possible.
Go be different.