Change is Possible
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
Insight
In our fast-paced world of instant notifications, endless scrolling, and constant distractions, the idea of meaningful change can feel overwhelming. We often find ourselves making the same resolutions, setting similar goals, or promising ourselves "This time will be different," only to find ourselves back in familiar patterns weeks or months later. Why does lasting change seem so elusive?
Perhaps the answer lies not in our desire for change, but in our approach to it. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides profound insight into this human struggle. He doesn't merely suggest change—he speaks of transformation, a complete renewal that begins in the mind. But notice his language: "be transformed." This isn't a passive process; it requires our active participation and, most importantly, our focused attention.
Consider a magnifying glass in the sunlight. When held steady, its focused beam can ignite a flame, but when moving or unfocused, it produces only warmth. Our efforts toward change often resemble a shifting magnifying glass—we have all the right ingredients for transformation, but our scattered attention prevents the spark of lasting change from igniting.
This principle reveals itself throughout Scripture. When Peter walked on water, he succeeded as long as his focus remained on Jesus. The moment his attention shifted to the waves around him, he began to sink. David defeated Goliath not because he was stronger, but because he maintained unwavering focus on God's faithfulness rather than the giant before him.
Today's culture celebrates multitasking and constant connectivity, but spiritual transformation demands something different. It requires us to be single-minded in our pursuit of growth. When we try to change everything at once—our prayer life, our fitness routine, our relationships, our work habits—we often end up changing nothing at all. True transformation comes when we choose one area, fix our attention upon it, and allow God to work deeply in that space.
This focused approach doesn't mean we ignore other aspects of our lives. Rather, it acknowledges that lasting change happens through intentional, concentrated effort. Just as a gardener doesn't scatter seeds randomly but plants them in well-tended rows, we too must be strategic about where we invest our energy for growth.
The beautiful paradox is that when we focus on changing one area of our lives with God's help, the effects often ripple outward into other areas. A renewed commitment to morning prayer might naturally lead to better time management. Focusing on speaking with more kindness might improve our relationships across the board. Small, focused changes can create a domino effect of transformation.
Remember: change is indeed possible. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us. But this power works most effectively when we create space for it through our focused attention and dedication. Like a laser beam cutting through steel, concentrated spiritual energy can penetrate even our most stubborn habits and patterns.
Reflection
What is one specific area of your life where you sense God calling you to focus your attention on transformation? What has prevented you from maintaining focus on this area in the past?
How might your life look different if you dedicated time and attention to this single area, rather than trying to change everything at once?
Prayer
Loving Father, grant us the wisdom to recognize where You are calling us to grow and the courage to focus our attention there. Help us resist the temptation to scatter our efforts, and give us the strength to remain steadfast in our journey of transformation. Guide us as we seek to be renewed in mind and spirit, trusting that Your power working within us can accomplish more than we could ever imagine. In Jesus' name, Amen.