How Can I Really Change?

Most of us reach some point in our lives when we realize we need to change. But how does lasting transformation actually happen? Lots of answers are offered—counseling, therapy, habit stacking, spiritual disciplines, and more.

All of these have their place. But the real key to transformation is gazing on the glory of Christ in the gospel.

Paul said,

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)

In all our consideration and practice of the spiritual disciplines, we must remember that only the gospel can change us. Religious practices alone will not. Never be content with the mere forms of piety. Always be feeding your soul at the banqueting table of God’s love in Christ!

The Puritan theologian John Owen said:

Let us live in the constant contemplation of the glory of Christ, and virtue will proceed from him to repair all our decays, to renew a right spirit within us, and to cause us to abound in all duties of obedience . . . The most of our spiritual decays and barrenness arise from an inordinate admission of other things into our minds; for these are they that weaken grace in all its operations. But when the mind is filled with thoughts of Christ and his glory, when the soul thereon cleaves unto him with intense affections, they will cast out, or not give admittance unto, those causes of spiritual weakness and indisposition. [1]

The spiritual disciplines are really all about keeping your heart in the constant contemplation of Christ. Fill your mind with the gospel and cleave to Christ with all your heart.

• Think of Christ often.
• Marvel at his incarnation – the Word was made flesh!
• Meditate on the achievements of the cross and the dying love of Jesus.
• Celebrate in your soul the resurrection of Christ. Death is defeated once and for all!
• Stand in awe at the ascension and enthronement of the God-Man, Jesus Christ. God’s plan for his image-bearing human beings is restored in Christ. The second Adam reigns!

As you soak your mind with the gospel and deeply absorb its truths in your soul, you will be changed.

Note: This is an adapted except from Brian’s book Christ Formed in You: The Power of the Gospel for Personal Change.

[1] John Owen, Meditations and Discourses Concerning the Glory of Christ; Applied unto Unconverted Sinners and Saints under Spiritual Decays in William H. Gould, ed., The Works of John Owen, vol. 1 (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1967 reprint of 1850-53 edition) 460-461.