I no longer believe in the concept of change. That is to say, I no longer believe that it is possible for us to make and maintain changes in our lives, in and of ourselves.

You may think that it is possible to change. However, think about the millions of people who make New Year’s resolutions: to eat healthier; to work out more; to go to church more often; to spend more time with the family, etc.

How long do those behavioral changes typically last?

There are usually at least two reasons why changes don’t last. First, our behaviors are generally the result of our thoughts and beliefs: i.e., in other words, our interior life. Our behaviors are symptoms, rather than the actual issue.

The second reason, and the more important one, is that change is not actually a Biblical concept. If we were capable of changing ourselves, the Incarnation of Jesus may have been unnecessary.

A few years ago, the Holy Spirit led me to two passages of Holy Scripture. In St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, we read: “Don’t copy the behaviors and customs of this world. Instead, let God transform you into a new person.” (Romans 12:2, NLT).

In St. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, we read: “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life has gone; a new life has begun! All of this is a gift from God, Who brought us back to Himself through Christ.” (II Corinthians 5:17-18a).

In the light of these Scriptures, our task is as follows: We need to pray that God will enable us to surrender ourselves to Him and to His Love so that He can transform us into who He created us to be.

Thus, we look to God to transform us internally, instead of attempting to change our behaviors ourselves. Thanks be to God for His transforming work!!

-This reflection was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by Dr. Floyd L. Covey, Sr., D.D.;  Th.D.;  Ph. D.;  C. Carm. of C.T.P.;  O.SS.T. –  Bishop / Priest / Psychologist / Monk / Wisdom Guide / Anam Chara (Soul Friend).