Change is Possible

Change is Possible

It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose (V.13).

Philippians 2:1-13

Reading

One Saturday afternoon, some teenagers from my church’s youth group met up to talk about some hard questions based on Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Some of the questions were: how often do you look out for others? How would your friends describe you? Why?

As I chatted with them, I was amazed by their honesty. The group agreed that it’s easy to talk about where we can do better, but it’s hard to change or even want to change.

Changing our focus from ourselves to others is only possible because of the Holy Spirit living in us. That’s why Paul reminded the Philippian church to keep thinking about what God had done for them. He had made them His family, comforted them with His love and given them His Spirit to help them (PHIL. 2:1-2). How could they—and we—react to those gifts with anything other than thanks?

Yes, God is the reason for us to change, and only He can change us. Because He gives us “the desire and power to do what pleases him” (V.13 NLT), we can think less of ourselves and look out for others instead.

To pray about . . .

Father, help me to take on board the Bible reading today and change my selfish ways. Thank You for giving me Your Spirit so I can live for You and love the people I meet today.

BECAUSE JESUS LIVES IN US, WE REALLY CAN CHANGE.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries