PROBLEM? NOT OUR BEHAVIOR

"The problem is not in our behavior; the problem is in us. Jesus said, 'For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, stander' (Matthew 15:19) We don't need an upgrade. We need transformation. We need a miracle."
(emphasis, mine)

John Eldredge
Waking The Dead
Thomas Nelson Publishers  2003
p. 59

How like me, to try to change my behavior; and honestly that works--for a while. Behavior changes only last when God does a deep work in the heart.

I'm struggling with someone in my life these days; to make matters worse, this person is a Christian--albeit one that I can neither respect nor trust. I can't fake good behavior. I can't fake kindness. I can't even fake tolerance. I need a change of heart. "I" need a miracle. Fortunately for me, when I ask, God says, "I can." and "I will."  

This other person may need heart changes as well. But -- I'm only responsible for mine.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie