Article April 14, 2008 Issue

WILLING TO CHANGE

BY ALEXIS DEACON

Changing the way we think might be one of the toughest tasks we'll ever have. It can be tempting to simply talk rather than do something, even when a change of perspective would clearly bring benefits—in career, home, relationships, daily habits, eating patterns. It can be especially tough when the way to begin isn't clear, or when it's simply easier to blame circumstances or others for a difficult situation.

Still, such a change could be the most exhilarating experience we'll ever have and lead to unexpected happiness and satisfaction.

In studying the Gospels, I've noticed that when John the Baptist and Jesus emphasized the need for change, the need seems directly linked to finding the Kingdom of heaven. For instance, John advised those seeking the promised Messiah to "repent" (or think differently, change your mind) "for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:2, Amplified Bible). And John had a pointed rebuke for those who came to him to be baptized, but were unwilling to make a deep change: "Go and do something to show that your hearts are really changed" (Matt. 3:8, J. B. Phillips).

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