Christian Atheist: Don't Think You Can Change

This is the last part of the series based on the book, Christian Atheist. So far, we've talked about not knowing God, being ashamed of your past/not being sure that God loves you, pursuing happiness at any cost, and when He's not fair.

(Source)

This topic is going to be written a little differently, as the nature of this one is step-by-step. Whatever it is that you are addicted to or want to change, you can change it.

• Identify the lie. We begin to think that even though I believe in God, I don't think He can help me. This is how He made me, so I can't change. These thoughts are lies.
• Admit to the problem. You've mastered the problem, and don't know it. You need to realize and admit that you have a problem.
• Want to change. After you admit that you have a problem, you have to WANT to change before you can finish the process. If you don't want it, it will be impossible for you to finish the process and actually change.
• God can help you change. You must invite God to work with you. He is the only one who can help you make the change. Reject the lies of the devil and embrace the truth of God and allow God to change you.

²⁷ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
~Mark 10 (NIV)

• Ask youself. There are 6 questions to ask yourself in the process, if you are answering yes to at least 3 of these questions, you may have a problem.
1. Do your family and friends say you have a problem?
2. Do you continue even though you are hurting people?
3. Do you arrange your schedule, priorities or spending around it?
4. Can you go one week without it?
5. Is it driving others away?
6. Are you denying it is a problem or trying to keep it a secret?
• Stop making excuses. You may have tried to change before, you may think that nothing works, but stop making excuses and try until it works. In John 5, Jesus asked a man who couldn't walk if he wanted to get well. That would be like asking a poor person if they wanted $1 million. Instead of saying "Yes!," he just said that there was no one to help him, and made excuses.
• Cut the ties. Surround yourself with new, good friends who are positive to your progress.
• Surrender to God's power. Your strength is limited, your will-power is not bottomless, and your determination will run dry. Surrendering to God's power is the only way you can keep the strength. Just let go and let God take care of it.

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

~Philippians 4 (NIV)

You may not be able to fix everything, but you can do something. Do what you can today, rely on God to do what you can't do. Let God be the power you need in your weakness.