You Say You Want A Revolution…

“The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives,” William James

Most of us would agree our world is changing.  Some of the changes are good, and some are keeping us up at night.  I think the most overwhelming feeling expressed is one of powerlessness.  We watch our TV’s and we feel paralyzed by the problems our Nation is facing. Most of us feel unprepared to find the answers.  This leaves us hoping that those in power are smarter and wiser than ourselves. 

We live in a time that calls to the hearts of men and women to be leaders in thier own lives, to ask where God would have us make changes. We live in a time of humbling. My friend J puts it like this, “At a time when we feel at the mercy of the world, God is calling us to humble our hearts and be anxious for nothing.”

What do you hear when you drop your guard and slip to your knees? Do you ache to feel more secure in your future? Maybe you wish you had a stronger marriage or a better family life.  Are you waiting for someone to rescue you? Where do you feel Jesus knocking on the door, calling you to revolution in your own life?

True revolution came long ago,  when Jesus began to call out, and gather in the hearts that were open to him.  These heart changes were far more effective than the enemy could have ever guessed.  It was guerrilla warfare at its best–Jesus did an inside job. The enemy was completely out strategized.

I am writing to remind you that in these times, you are not powerless.  You have a Home In God and if you listen, you can begin the work of making changes in your own life.  Small changes of the heart and habit can vibrate for generations to come. Will that be a vibration of fear and worry or one of courage to take the power God gives to us to lead our own lives? Maybe you’ll make a decision to love people in your life that show little love in return? Perhaps you will look for small anonymous acts of kindness to extend when you feel you’ve had none?  Some of us may turn off the news and refuse to enter into frenzied reactions.  Some may decide to simplify their lives, perhaps finding more connection using less technology.

You and I are called to be a counter culture.  We can move against hatred, with God’s love.  Come against confusion by offering His truth.  Deflect the changing moral compass by reflecting His ways.  Protect ourselves from broken boundaries of character by holding ourselves to a higher standard.  These are decisions of the heart and mind.  Never underestimate the power of character and integrity in us. 

I know a Pastor who gave up dessert for life.  Seems really silly as I write this, but it impacted me.  I am a dessert kind of girl and the fact that anyone, who wasn’t dieting would give it up was mind-bending. I watched him in negotiate with the church ladies who protested his unwillingness to try their desserts.  He quietly declined their calorie laden, treats with grace.  Whatever his reasons, they seemed to be between him and God.  He never offered them up.  It was a simple decision of the heart.

In humbling our desires and hearts before God, we ask ourselves, who am I becoming? What and who am I listening to? What kind of personal counter culture do I want to help create? More importantly, who will I refuse to become?  Can you hear Jesus calling to your heart and gathering you to Him? 

Change is upon us; the rumblings of a dangerous time are everywhere. Let’s not ever forget that true revolution is an inside job—let all our brave hearts be tethered to God.

This is part 1 of a two part blog: Next week: What Makes You Resilient?

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