Want to change something in your life?

I well remember Don Finto bending his knees one Sunday and holding out his hand in the position of a catcher, teaching us that we must position ourselves to receive the things we ask for. Positioning evidently counts. I want to think about this kind of positioning: that of the heart. To make a change in anything in my life, the most important question I can identify is, "What stance of heart would I need to commence to begin this change?" (STANCE: the attitude or position of a standing person; one's emotional or intellectual attitude or position) After all, if you want to change something, you must take a stand against something or for something. This question fits all sizes and shapes of change! If If I want to change a messy habit, address my overspending, overeating, overdrinking, overpleasing; If I want to read my Bible more, pray more; If I want to get up earlier and exercise, drink less caffeine, stop seating sugar; if I want to improve my relationship with my wife, husband, child, parent, friend..."What stance of heart would it take from me?"

Because the heart can be a divided heart it is important to explore the inner terrain. What parts are "for" the change, and what parts are pulling "against" it.? These wiley beasts can produce ambivalence thus diluting the concentrated efforts. The heart must be unified. All parts must buy in.

Because the heart can be selfish, lazy, stubborn, and in general narcissistic, these negative character defects need to be identified as well. Once acknowledged and confessed, we are ready to surrender and ask for God's healing and help.

Because the heart may have become a hard heart, we may have to ask god to apply some tenderizer. Sometimes there is a big "Do not enter" sign erected over the heart or a "Keep out" sign on the door of the heart. These are for protective measures of course: our provision of shields, walls, and bolts,, all the while protesting that we are lonely or isolated. God's application of tenderizer may include forgiveness, mercy, surrender, and grace in order to allow the light of love inside. But don't overlook the fact that being tenderized sometimes requires beating with a hammer-like tool. Some walls require a chisel.

So back to the examination: What stance of heart will be required to make a change in something that matters to you? I highly suggest that you don't let this question float around in generalities and get lost in the recesses and endless corridors of the brain. No. Get serious. Get pen and paper out and nail it. Write out a declaration of intent, then examine the heart and identify the stance it will take from you: "The stance of heart it will take from me to give up smoking is.....", "The stance of heart it will take for me to forgive my husband is....", and on and on. Then pray really hard for God to give you extra measures of this.

Are you willing to do whatever it takes? If not, then pray for willingness. Change needs to be happening for all of us as we become more like Jesus. Transformation is needed! It can happen so0ner than later if we lean into it!