Change in the Christian Life is Possible.

I believe that it is a common problem of all Christian people to say that despite earnest efforts, change is difficult, hard, appears slow, and, in some cases, quite out of reach. There are some facets of our character that seem to be immutable, or fixed, beyond change.

It is quite a modern problem, and one that is accelerated and reinforced by our situation in this time and place, that the expectations we have for the spiritual life is that it will be one of fast ascent or rapid development. But if you have read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, you would know that Christian does not make his journey from home to the Celestial City in a day.

You would know that it is the trials that reinforce the virtues of the Christian life, and the companionship of others along the way that can make for refinement or detriment in character.

You would also know that the object of faith, the destination on the journey, is one that has been fixed, and that we move toward through a kind of plodding.

The progress is determined in large part by the declared intention, or decision, to set out on the journey and remain steadfast in bringing it to completion, and one of the joys of the Christian life is knowing that it is Christ himself who has and will supply the grace needed for us to accomplish our aim.