INGRAINED CHANGE

The Elusive Prize of the Maturing Christ-Follower


As we mature in Christ, More Christ-like thoughts, emotions, and actions become ingrained. My question for the Lord is this:


“How can I see greater progress toward this end, where my old self is completely dead, and my Christ-led self is consistently surrendered to the Holy Spirit?”


Is this a difficult mountain to climb?


For you, maybe not. However, for me, it appears like Mount Everest.


INGRAINED
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ingrained as “forming a part of the essence or inmost being: deep-seated.” Its second definition: “worked into the grain or fiber,” also resonates.


I know deep within my heart and soul that Christ has transformed me. I am also acutely aware that my flesh does not want to die fully. It resurrects itself in opposition to the complete surrender I sincerely want. As I strive to be an obedient Christ-follower, the Apostle Paul’s phrase, “But what I hate I do,” often comes to mind.


Does this thought resonate with you?


“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” Romans 7:14-25 NIV
Yes! “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law” is so true. Thank God the mountain is not mine to climb. Christ ascended. His feat inspires me and shows me there are hills and valleys, but the journey is possible with Christ as my expert guide.


GOD’S PART:


HIS SOLUTION
I am given hope for this situation, without which I would surely become dejected and discouraged and give up on the quest for ever-improving Christ-like thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.


I’m very grateful that Romans 8 and onward solved my dilemma—this war within me between my “old man” and my “new creation.”


“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 NIV


Onward and upward!


This scripture reminds me that I am no longer a slave to sin, but am a child of God. I wrote about this last month. You can read more about our freedom in Christ here: https://muellerd.substack.com/p/whom-the-son-sets-free.


My dialogue with Christ is transcribed as follows:


“Lord, what do you want me to know about this duality, and how can I instill more of your thoughts, behaviors, and actions in me?”


Here’s the response I sensed from Christ:


“Child, it is about progress, not perfection. Someday, you will be with me in heaven. Then, you will not have to deal with your sinful nature. Until then, it will humble you, and humility is of great worth as you go about your day, serving me.”


As we seek deeper transformation in Christ, we must recognize that our continuous growth journey requires us to strive against our sinful nature.


In Galatians, we’re given a further solution to this constant pull toward gratifying our carnal desires. Like climbing a hill, if we’re going to continue on this path that leads us upwards, we must keep going. Giving up is not an option for those who will make it over the summit.


The Holy Spirit is my expert sherpa.


“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Galatians 5:16-17 NIV


This passage vividly illustrates the ongoing battle between Spirit and flesh. We are encouraged to live by the Spirit's guidance. To the degree that we do, is the degree we overcome sinful desires.


God climbed the mountain we could not climb. The resurrection of Christ and the complete pardon for my sins past, present, and future do for me what I can’t do for myself. That was God’s part in this flesh versus spirit battle. But we have our part to play. We can not sit on the side of the path waiting, looking at the hill to climb, and wondering how to get over it.


I must get up, and start walking. On my journey, I have a right leg and a left leg. These two legs, working together, will keep me on Christ’s path for me. They will do the same for you. Here they are:

1. Right leg: Push back
   
2. Left leg: Surrender
   
   
   

Let’s break each leg down, and then wrap up.


RIGHT LEG:


RESIST
Our pushback on our sinful flesh will remain a worthy challenge. The Apostle Paul's struggles described in Romans 7 resonate with devout believers experiencing the natural internal conflict between their spiritual aspirations and human inclinations.


“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:9-10 NIV


This scripture calls us to abandon our old, sinful ways and highlights the continual renewal process that shapes us into the image of Christ.


If obedience demands truthfulness with others, how much more so do we have to be truthful with ourselves? Tell the truth about your struggles. Practically speaking, that means sharing them with God in daily quiet times, sharing with one or more spiritual advisors, and sharing with our spouse or significant other. We need to be transparent to hold ourselves accountable.


Many of the most outwardly-appearing Christ-followers and Christ-leaders “put themselves” under pseudo-accountability by failing to be transparent and share their deep struggles. It sounds good to the public, but in reality, there is no accountability at all. Here is a saying worth remembering: “We are only as sick as our secrets.” Share your flesh struggles with God and others. Don’t keep them to yourself. Confession is cathartic and cleansing.


Using the hill-climbing metaphor, I must tell my sherpa guide if I run out of oxygen. If I wait too long, I will die. So too, if you harbor secret struggles, you’ll get worn out spiritually. Many well-known Christian pastors and leaders in history have had devastating, career-ending failures due to burn-out, which leads to moral failure. The news-worthy falls are just the tip of the iceberg of pastoral and ministry leader failures. It is an epidemic due to this very issue: Secrets.


Push back by sharing what you are going through with God and others in the battle of flesh versus the Holy Spirit. Gain a mentor, advisor, or coach to talk to. We are a safe place to turn as you battle in the spiritual realm.


LEFT LEG:


SURRENDER
In answering the call to become more like Christ, we must surrender everything to Him.


One way that leads us to surrender is to immerse ourselves in scripture, for it is through God's Word that we find strength, guidance, and the promise of transformation. The Bible is replete with passages showing how to become more aligned with Christ's likeness. God’s Word offers great hope and practical guidance and refreshes us on our journey.


One passage that comes to mind is Philippians, Chapter 2, where Paul exhorts us.


“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13 NIV


This scripture underscores the dynamic partnership between our efforts and God's work within, emphasizing transformation is a shared responsibility.


CONCLUSION
Christ has made the impossible climb for me, but I have hills to transverse, and I need to move my legs, one foot in front of the other, one step at a time. Left. Right. Left. Right.


If we don’t do our part, God may not intervene or act to bring about the change we long to see. Yes, the end result is entirely up to God and a testament to His power working through us. However, we must do our part and earnestly desire to be changed by Christ by walking in surrender, and strength. I must move my legs to go in the direction Christ desires.


Becoming totally Christ-like is akin to ascending the Mount Everest of salvation. It is impossible for us mortals. The amazing fact is Christ ascended there and beyond. He now sits at the right hand of God our Father, on most high. Through His Holy Spirit, He equips us with a sherpa to guide us. We can make it over the little hills and valleys we are called to transverse if we take these two steps, one after another after another.


Left. Right. Left. Push back. Surrender. Push back. Surrender.


Our journey is filled with the promise of divine assistance and transformation. Let us hold fast to scriptures such as Philippians 2:12-13, Galatians 5:16-17, and Colossians 3:9-10, for they offer the wisdom and encouragement we need to progress in our spiritual journey, despite the inevitable hills we encounter.


Christ’s transformation of us will create ingrained change. The elusive prize of the maturing Christ-follower, Christ-likeness, will materialize if we intentionally push back against sin and surrender in every deepening way to Christ.


Enjoy your walk with our Lord! May you travel well.


Your aspiring servant, Daniel M.
 April 14, 2024


POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate conversations with Christ.