What are the Odds of Change?

 God knows human nature. He made us the way we are, and He knows that once we get set in our ways, it is very hard for us to change those ways. This is especially true for those of us who have practiced evil a long time. Jeremiah gave us a good picture of this from the Lord. (Jeremiah 13:23) God asked the people, "Can an African change skin or a leopard get rid of its spots?" Of course, those things are impossible. With us, the odds are very low that we will change to doing good after being long-practiced in evil, but there is only a small chance. Think with me about this serious situation that you or a loved one might find yourselves in right now.

Humans are born in the image of God, so we have some of the qualities of God, like being able to think deeply, love others, and have close relationships. However, we are also born with a sinful nature, so that once we can choose, we choose to sin, instead of always doing the right thing. None of us can overcome the urge to sin on our own. It is only the power of God working in us that can free us from this slavery to sin. The longer we stay a slave to sin, the lower the odds we will turn to the Lord for forgiveness and salvation from our sins. That is why the percentage of people who trust Christ after age 18 is very low. Therefore, it is not impossible to change after years of sin, but it is much less likely. We have to forsake our ways, put our trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior and live for Him the rest of our lives. Most people are not willing to make that decision later in life. I pray if you find yourself in this situation now that you will surrender to Jesus in faith. He will save you and do the changing, once you have taken that step from your heart.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 14-16.