Changed

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

– Galatians 2:20

The newfound faith of Jesus’ early disciples had transformed their lives for all to see. This odd group of people from all walks of life — rich and poor, male and female, slave and free — was quite unlike the rest of society. They somehow had grown more caring and generous toward both neighbors and strangers alike, and they willingly sacrificed their time and resources to ease pain and correct injustice. Ultimately, they had abandoned their old, selfish tendencies in favor of something much better.

In a word, these so-called Little Christs were changed. And soon, thousands of men and women would follow their example, believe in the Lord, and be added to their number. 

That says much about their faith in an obscure rabbi from a distant corner of the Roman Empire, who just happened to be God’s only Son. Few recognized it at the time. But because some did and believed in him, millions today lead changed lives to serve as his hands and feet across the globe.

Like their predecessors 2,000 years ago, modern-day Believers must forego their selfish deeds and desires in favor of following Christ’s example of righteousness. Moreover, they should recognize that Jesus the leader was also Jesus the follower. He spoke constantly with his Father (God) in prayer … and always sought his guidance:

“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing,” explains our Savior, “because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

It’s a radical notion that’s just as life-changing today as it was back then. Likewise, it’s a concept that calls for personal action, commitment, and sacrifice. So, whether you’ve put your faith in Jesus for five years or 55, grasp every opportunity to become more like him, walk in his ways, and see the world through his eyes. What’s more, ask God to work through you with the Holy Spirit — that personal, loving Power, who makes it possible to leave your old self behind and become a new creation.

It’s change that makes a difference. And eventually, through the trials of life and the whispers of his leadings, we’ll become the people of faith that our Creator always dreamed we could be.