Paul gives us an important warning in Colossians 2:20-23 when he writes, “Why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’?” (NIV)
He tells us that not everything that looks spiritual actually produces spiritual transformation.
Rules can change our behavior temporarily.
Only Jesus can transform our hearts with God’s amazing love.
Sometimes we think, “If I just try harder, do better, pray more, read more, and get everything right, then I’ll finally become the person God wants me to be.”
But transformation doesn’t begin with trying harder.
It begins with staying closer.
Leaning in.
Walking with Jesus daily.
Because the Christian life isn’t primarily about managing ourselves better,
it is about allowing Jesus to transform us from the inside out.
Today, follow close to Jesus.
Let His love and blood bought grace change your desires, renew your mind, and reshape your heart.
Because lasting transformation comes from your relationship with Jesus,
not trying harder to be good enough for Him.
Jesus, I don’t want to simply look changed on the outside. Transform me from the inside out. Help me stay close to You today and allow Your love to transform my heart. In Your Powerful Name, Amen.