How Our Little Decisions Can Create Big Changes
I’m sorry, am I invisible?
Although I didn’t give voice to my thoughts, I’m sure the incredulous look I sent the young man said it all. After cutting in front of me, he made his way to the cashier. Catching my eye, he nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders, leaving me fuming in his wake.
His rudeness only took a few minutes. But processing the experience cost me a fortune in emotional and mental energy. Somehow, I don’t think Jesus would have allowed something so trivial to derail his day. Sigh.
Sometimes I wish I were a better Christian:
- When a twinge of envy precedes joy over a friend’s accomplishment
- When selfishness causes me to hesitate before serving others in need
- When I pridefully want to push back against the slightest sign of disrespect
I want my first reaction in any situation to be Christ-like. But words from the Apostle Paul remind me to be patient:
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV)
Becoming like Jesus is not a one-and-done event; it’s a process. When I lived as an unbeliever, a veil of skepticism prevented me from seeing Christ’s divinity. Thankfully, as believers, our unveiled faces allow us to behold His glory, or divine nature. As we study who He is, He begins the process of transformation. Jesus doesn’t turn us into better people; He transforms us, from the inside out, until we are just like Him.
I’ve learned the Christian life consists of many tiny decisions which slowly mold us into the image of Christ. Early in my walk with the Lord, a wise friend shared these words of encouragement:
It’s never wrong to do what’s right.
“Do what’s right,” she continued, “even with a reluctant heart. Then pray for your heart to want to do what’s right.”
Over the years I’ve put my friend’s words into practice. After congratulating others on their success, I asked Jesus to infuse me with His joy. As I reluctantly agreed to serve others, I prayed to be filled with His charity. When others offended me, I held my tongue and prayed for His capacity to forgive.
As I look back at my early walk with the Lord, I see evidence of growth. In those days, another’s rude behavior would have provoked more than a surprised look; I would have made a snarky comment.
Jesus has brought me a long way in this process. I still wish my first response would be just like His. But that would mean I already arrived at the goal. Jesus promises one day I will be just like Him. Until then, I rejoice in the daily process of transformation.
Wherever the road leads us next, I know there will be challenges in our paths. Whatever may come, I pray we can rejoice in the process as we become more like the One who guides us.
I needed this today, Shirley! I, too, allow the rudeness or grumpy attitudes of strangers to bother me far more than it should. Thank you for sharing this perspective. ♥️
Thank you Sheila. I’m glad you found this helpful, too. ????
Shirley….THIS!!!! My goodness, this little gem of precious words is so full of Heart and Humility and HOPE!! Your words, “Becoming like Jesus is not a one-and-done event; it’s a process. ” , give me so much HOPE. I too feel like I am so far from where I should be in my faithful Christ redeemed state. I appreciate this so very much! You are spreading such a good, true word. DON’T STOP!! Love and hugs, Jody
Thank you Jody! Yes, thank goodness it is a process ~ and He is patient with us. ????