Change is a major player in our lives. For example, we have the changing of the seasons during the year. We might move our residence from one place to another, resulting in a change of address and location.
Changes in our work situation can cause a change of jobs or employment, too. Even our marital status may change from single to married, or married to divorced. I suppose that most change, other than natural changes, are due to decisions by either ourselves, others, or both.
Although, there's not a whole lot that we can do about the changing of the seasons. There are some changes we can make in our lives that can affect us profoundly. In fact, one of the most important changes we can make is when we exchange our old, sin nature for the new nature Christ gives us.
This change of sinful nature, or change of direction, is otherwise known as conversion. How does this affect us? You see, when we humbly come to Christ, confess our sins to Him, turn away from it, and seek His ways, our whole perspective changes.
You might be more familiar with conversion because of the convert or person who has made this change towards Jesus Christ. Now, to some this may sound very similar to repentance, however, there is a difference. Let's try to break it down for you, or make it easier to see the differences.
When someone repents they first have to admit that their way of thinking was wrong. Then, he must change his entire way of thinking wrongly to that of beginning to think rightly. Repentance involves completely changing your mind set about something. We do this when we starting thinking as God thinks, and seeing things just as He does.
Okay, now let's turn our attention to conversion. Have you ever driven down a road for a while then suddenly realized you were headed in the wrong direction? What happens? You decide that you need to turn around, or change direction. Conversion is like this in that it involves a "change of direction."
Thus, when we are converted, we are struck with the realization that we're going the wrong way. We then have to turn to the living God and start going in His way. Does this happen to everyone? Well, though it may be true that we all have the opportunity to turn it (our lives) around, not everyone takes advantage of this.
Luke 1:16 shows us that it is possible to "turn" our lives around. While in Isaiah 6:9-10. Isaiah wrote about some who refused to convert, choosing rather to go on living their sinful lives. Therefore, conversion is possible, but not always chosen by some.
Interestingly, even though there are differences between repentance and conversion. they really do need one another. After all, what good is changing your mind (repentance) if you don't change the direction you're going (conversion)?
We all fall far short of being perfect like God (Romans 3:10, 23; Isaiah 53:6). And as such, there's no way that we could ever please God by anything we'd do on our own. In this sad state we are doomed to be eternally separated from Him (Romans 6:23, 8:8; John 3:16-18). We need to be able to change this. But how?
A word of caution, here. We can't convert ourselves. Fortunately, for us, Jesus came and took care of this problem for us. He came to earth, died in our place, and rose again, conquering death and sin for all time (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Thus, taking on the punishment our sin deserves.
In turn, He offers to exchange His perfection for our imperfection; making us appear righteous and presentable to God (2 Corinthians 5:21). So how does this all tie into our conversion toward Jesus Christ? It's not that big of a leap as you might think!
When you or I finally admit that we can't keep on living like we have been, we admit to Christ how helpless we are apart from Him. We tell him that we are more than ready to change our life's direction, that we are ready, willing, and able to embrace Him as our Lord and Savior (Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9).
By faith, we place our lives into His capable hands (Hebrews 11:1). And it is through the exercising of faith, which is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9), that we are converted. Conversion incorporates: changing direction, changing allegiance, and worshiping God instead of self-worship.
Finally, conversion is a total transformation of the heart. The way a person walks, talks, and acts is affected. This continues until their entire life has been converted from living in sin, to living for God (Romans 6:6-7).
Scripture: Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Romans 15:13; James 4:8; John 8:32
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for Your guidance, mercy, and presence in my life. Because of You, my heart is like a compass, always pointing in Your direction. And as long as I stay on this path, I know I will always be walking toward You. Amen
Have a blessed Monday!
Jenn
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