When change is slow

Why is it that we sometimes remain unchanged in our walk with Christ?  Or why does change sometimes seem to come slowly?  Here are at least three reasons why transformation may degrade into stagnancy:

• We substitute rationalization for repentance (Acts 8:14-24, esp. vv. 20-24).
• We substitute our desires (i.e., sins) for God’s desires (i.e., righteousness; Js. 4:1-2; Ps. 37:4)
• We substitute interpretation of Scripture for application of Scripture (Mt. 23:23).
• We substitute superficial obedience for substantive life change (Hos. 6:6; Js. 1:22-25).

In light of these realities, we do well to regularly examine the conditions of our spiritual condition.  Here are some preliminary questions to ask in self-examination:

• Is there an area of my life where I am “stuck?”
• Am I reading Scripture to fulfill a duty or to meet the God who created me and desires to transform me to reflect His glory?
• Am I compartmentalizing my life?  I.e., am I attempting to walk in the Spirit in one area of my life while not allowing God access to other areas (Js. 1:8; Mt. 6:24; )?
• When reading Scripture, is my first impulse to find its application to my own heart, or is it to think of how it applies to others?
• Am I willing to allow God to cultivate in me a holy discontent with my sin (Rom. 7:4)?
• Does my heart crave Scripture?  Does it long to look into the deep things of God and to know His mind?  Does it find encouragement — and even joy — at hearing the hard things of God (the things that call for transformation and trust)?
• Have I ever made a decision and commitment to allow God to change me?
• Have I prayerfully allowed God to direct me to a Biblical plan to transform my life?
• Am I submitting to the power of the Holy Spirit to follow through on His plan for my life?