The Need for Change

“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (II Corinthians 5:16-21 NIV)

We concluded our eight-week discipleship group last night and, as we were reviewing what the students had learned during our time together, several mentioned the difference of being “saved” from being “born-again.”  In our teaching we had emphasized that many churches mistakenly emphasize the former at the expense of the latter, leading many claiming to be saved, but looking very similar in their lifestyles to those who make no such claims. One student spoke of knowing someone who is involved in a campus ministry, but also enjoys the party scene.   It echoed what we recently heard from another student whose Bible study leader seems to have no problem with getting drunk on the weekends.  

Paul in this passage says he used to think of Jesus from a “worldly point of view.”  I wonder if this isn’t at the heart of why so many who claim to be Christians bare little resemblance to the One from whom they receive their name.  Paul originally didn’t see Jesus as Lord or Savior, just as a blasphemer or perhaps a misguided man so full of himself to claim Deity.  He saw Him as he wanted.  

Is that not also true of many of us?  We see Jesus as we want to see Him, not as He truly is.  Many want to see Him as their Savior, the One who keeps them from Hell and gives them a ticket to heaven.  No cost is involved.  Pray a prayer and you’re set.  Others want to see Jesus as the devoted friend who accepts them unconditionally and just wants them to be happy.  Still others see Him as the permissive Parent who always loves and forgives, accepting them as they are and never really demanding anything.  

This is how the Lord is often viewed, but is this who He really is? Obviously, something isn’t right with us if we are in need of a Savior, if we are in need of reconciliation with God.  Someone in dire straits needs someone to save them.  A relationship in need of reconciliation cannot remain the same and survive.  

What this passage tells us is change is essential when we decide to follow Jesus.  He is not the One in need; we are.  He has set the standard and we fall way short of it (Romans 3:23).  We don’t define the terms to suit us; He does.  If we freely choose to follow Him, then we give up the right to live as we please (I Corinthians 6:19-20).

As with any broken relationship, change is necessary if it is to be repaired. Reconciliation has a cost.  With the Lord, that cost is our will. No longer my will, but yours (Matthew 26:39).  For He is Lord over us. We may want to view Him in a different way, but that does not change the reality of who He is.  

Today, recognize that following Jesus, proclaiming Him as Savior and Lord, must involve change in your life.  Of course, through the power of His Spirit, He will help you make those changes, but there is no having it your way when you choose to follow Jesus.  He leads and you follow. It’s that simple. 

© Jim Musser 2015