The Word Changes Me

One of the things I've noticed in my daily Bible reading is that the Word of God is changing me.

Not all at once.

Not overnight.

But little by little.

As I spend time reading and studying the Scriptures, I find that many of the thoughts, attitudes, and desires that once strongly pulled at me are becoming weaker. The things of God are becoming more important, and the things of the world are becoming less appealing.

This reminded me of what Paul wrote:

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2)

Notice that Paul didn't say we would be transformed by trying harder. He said we are transformed by the renewing of our minds.

How is our mind renewed?

By filling it with God's Word.

The Bible is unlike any other book ever written. It is alive. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is "living and powerful." Every time we open our Bible, God is speaking to us. He is teaching us, correcting us, encouraging us, and shaping us into the image of Christ.

Many believers become discouraged because they still battle temptation or struggle with old habits. They expect instant change. But God's work is often like planting a seed. The seed goes into the ground long before the harvest appears.

Jesus taught this principle in the Parable of the Sower. The seed is the Word of God. When planted in good soil, it eventually produces a harvest—some thirtyfold, some sixtyfold, and some one hundredfold.

Our responsibility is to keep planting the seed.

Keep reading.

Keep studying.

Keep listening.

Keep believing.

The changes may seem small from day to day, but over time, the results become unmistakable.

Looking back over the years, I can see that God's Word has changed the way I think, the way I speak, the way I respond to problems, and even the desires of my heart.

The Word changes me because the Author of the Word is changing me.

If you feel stuck in your spiritual walk today, don't quit reading your Bible. Don't become discouraged if growth seems slow.

Keep sowing the seed of God's Word into your heart.

In due season, you will reap a harvest.

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)