Is God changing you?

 I realize the question makes sense only if you believe in God. So if you don't, follow along. I think you'll find this interesting. Now where was I? Oh yes, if you believe in God, is He changing you? Now before you give me a quick reply, let's make sure we're on the same wave length here.

 To "believe in" does not mean you think or feel or are absolutely certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that God exists, though that's usually a good start. Take the demons described in the Bible. They know God exists. Even satan knows God exists. But they don't believe in Him.

 Who "believe in" God? Here's the simple answer: Those who follow Him. That didn't help a lot, did it? We've just swapped a question with another---What does it mean to follow God? At least here we have more clues and they come from Jesus himself. To follow God means to:

 Seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33); ask for His will to be done (v. 7:7); run to Him when He says "Come" (vv. 4:19-20, 8:19-22, 9:9); love Him above anyone and anything, including our families, friends, desires, and even our lives (vv 10:37-39, 19:21); love and pray for those who hate us (vv. 5:43-45); and know that what's impossible with us is possible with God (Luke 18:26-27).

In short, following God leads us to...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (Mark 12:30) and Love one another (John 13:34). We seek to serve God, hear His word and obey Him (Matthew 19:17, Luke 11:28, John 12:26) This is how we express our love to Him and how we remain in His love (John 14:15, 23, 15:9-13).

How do you match up? Not so great? Getting there? Walking on water? I ask because there are many in the world who claim that being a Christian requires all of these all of the time and failure to do so...well, you're just not part of the club anymore.

So you'll be clear on my position here---that's garbage. Those who promote such nonsense fail to understand what is very clear in the Bible. They have eyes but do not see, ears but do not hear. They are more concerned with condemnation than encouragement. Have nothing to do with them!

Few understand the life Jesus calls them to when they first commit to Him. Look at that list. It's all very difficult. Following God starts with commitment. God calls and we answer. His Spirit enters our lives. And we change as we apply in our lives what He has said, taught, and commanded.

When we encounter new experiences, we must learn what to do, how to react, what to say, and how to use the gifts, knowledge, and wisdom God has and is giving us. We are continually in training. Sometimes we mess up along the way. But God is changing us and at His speed and direction, not man's.

Don't compare yourself with others. Look at your own life. Is it different from what it was? Are you changing into someone who follows God more with each passing day? Always remember: Jesus takes us as we are and never leaves us as we've been. He holds on tight and won't let go.