Can we Really change people?

The only constant thing in the world is changeable nature of the world. ''There is nothing permanent except change'', uttered by Heraclitus. However, the formula it's not rigid  enough when it apply to people. Some people easily change, some people are not. So, can we really change people? potentially yes. But in actuality, it's quite difficult. We found in our daily experience that people haven't change much. When we ask people to change, most of the time it will be seen as kind of threat for people are used to be what they are. The shadow of the past has formed and molded people so deeply, up to the point committing to certain change, will give a great emotional damage for bad or for good. This is where all kind of desperation come taking place. 

Often time behaviors express the pattern of circumstances that they have been went through, even not always, but upbringing, education and parenting, society are crucial factors which produce a certain kind of man. So, can we really change people with all those factors come into the scene?

In relationship, there is always a tension. First of all, everyone is different. That explain why there are many wars around the world, both in Micro and Macro scope. Second, there is always a strong tendency an agenda to change people to be like what we want, just like us. This is a devastating approach. For every people has their own perspective of good, and of course the most familiar treats and comfortable one is considered as the greater good from each subjective judgement. That's always where the argument never ends. So what's the solution?

First, we need the third factor added in our relationship, in which both parties are struggling and fighting to reach that vision. Like triangle. Unless there is a clear vision and grand enough vision of what kind of person we both want to be for both parties, then there will be no chance of change possibly happened. If there is no track laid out nor finish line, how can one move to becoming better person?

However, having said that, although we already have our center point and end goal for better, we cannot really change each other. So second, we need the power from above beyond our mere effort and collaboration as well. Otherwise we are not willing to make a move in the the first place, or we are giving up in the middle of the journey. Why we need the power from above? For change is always, always costly. Change means that we are moving from our comfort zone. Change mean that we are facing uncertainty either we are going to a better state or worst. Sadly, our negative thought usually are having the better signal around. Hence, change done by our own effort and strength it is impossible. 

Here, I propose Christ as the key factor to change people. Both the vision and the source of power. True chance only come from God, he give us a true solution not just modifying our behavior superficially but transforming our inner being completely.  However there is an issue here that I would like to bring. As I ponder deeper and read the book from Chip Ingram, Yes You really can change, I was startled for what he wrote as he posted the pooling research by Barna Group and Gallups which for me is unanticipated. Here it goes, 

''Multitudes of people in the Western World  who claim to know Jesus as their savior have not experienced much change in terms of the way they lives, the decision that they make, and the character they demonstrate.'' 

I am stunned, silent without words. I ask myself, how can the reality in the public square are in congruent and incompatible with what I believe, that only Christ can change people, which in fact show the contrary? Are we changed  not by Christ to be a New Creation? [2 Cor 5:17]. Can we say Christianity does not work to change people? Has God fail us?

The author then give a further explanation, that the problem is not in the part of God but us. The core problem is that most Christian are not setting Christ as the frame in which we living our life [Passive faith]. C.S Lewis wrote, 'You cannot get second things by putting them first, you can get second thing only by putting first thing first. 

God's way need be set in the first line. Faithful to His way not our own way. As the Scripture stated, Christ already give the key for us to change but it is depend on us on how serious our heart willingly to change to be a better person in the light of His revealed path. The problem that often happened is what author call as ''the casual approach to faith''. 

Casual approach of faith means that we are not serious enough to take the path that Christ has laid out for us to walk. No wonder we become nominal christian and we are not experiencing change at all. The simple of it is this, read and ponder deeply his Word daily. Chip Ingram says, 

''The process of sanctification requires us to walk by faith, and walking by faith necessarily involves responding to the alters and prompts of scripture.'' 

He also exposes, ''I have counsel hundreds of believers over many years-many with significant financial, relational and moral problems, I generally ask them about their intake of God's word the answer is almost always the same; little or no personal devotion or study'' Chip then conclude, ''life-change demands that you make every effort to work the truth of God's word into your heart.That should be one of your life goals as a believer; To master the contents and truth of the Bible.'' 

Thus far, we can make a reflection. Is our relationship already anchored in God's Word? Does each and every one of us already took seriously this path of transformation by reading his Word and let His Word change us? So that we are not going to be what we like others to be [flaw and wrong] but what God want  each and everyone of us to be. 

Truly, God's Word can do that and it has power to do so as Apostle Paul wrote, ''For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.''