Understanding is Not Change

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5 NIV

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”—Rumi. 

I have bad eyesight. I understand why and what it takes to improve my eyesight. But, if I don’t make the changes or if I don’t believe in the changes I must make, my eyesight remains poor. Someone in the middle of the railroad track may understand they will get run over if they don’t move off the track. “I understand, I believe you!” they foolishly say, while they continue on their journey on the railroad track. What happens? They go right into the ground. They understood but without a step to the left or right…

People understand why they drink, eat, and work too much. They can tell you why and probably when something enticed them into this behavior, but without one positive step, they are stuck. We must let go and let Him show us how to make our paths straight.

Take a little step.

We understand that Jesus is “The Way, The Truth and The Life.”

We understand that Jesus is “The Only Way to the Father.”

We understand that Jesus is “The Bread of Life and Living Water.”

But without faith, we miss the mark. Faith is a verb and not just a noun. Understanding is a beginning or catalyst for change. James says he will show us his faith by his works. So something is required. We must move toward Christ. We must believe that all things are possible in Him, so we take a step. Then another step. Then another. Then we are changed or transformed through Him who prays for us. Another life-long journey of real change. Real transformation.

Musings

A woman I know has stopped drinking. She stopped three years ago. Did she do it the first time? The second? She says she’s sure it took 1000 starts before it stuck. When she gave up self-loathing and self-condemnation while submitting to Someone greater, it caught. She understood why she drank; she understood her self-loathing and self-condemnation were blocking her efforts. But someone Greater stepped in and made her path straight. It started with His love.

Prayer

Dear Father,

We thank you for Your knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Help us to take the steps we need to make us better, to overcome significant challenges and to live in joy and peace.

We thank you for Your Son who brings us to You and prays for us with confidence.

Amen.