Are you Changed?

The disciples of Jesus were flawed men like us. They were called of God, used by Him, yet like us, sinners on this side of Heaven.

The disciples seemed to be enamored with greatness. Time has not changed much; today we too are enamored with greatness. We covet the symbols of power, wealth and greatness. They, in and of themselves, cause no problem unless the pursuit of the symbols of greatness move into first place in our life dethroning God from His rightful place.

The disciples asked Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Jesus calls a little child among them and Jesus said in Matthew 18:2-4: "He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Children are usually trusting of their fathers, have no agenda, are willing to learn and don't have a chip on their shoulder. Most of the world doesn't trust anyone; most have an agenda (what's in it for me attitude). Many of us feel we have arrived (we don't need to learn anything new) and most of us have or have had a major league chip on our shoulder. In reality, left to ourselves, we think we are pretty hot stuff; God is not impressed with us.

Jesus say, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, will never enter the kingdom of heaven." His words, not mine. Don't get angry with me.

Are you changed by your relationship with Christ? How has he changed your life? Are you transformed? Are you still walking around in the same body but the chip on your shoulder is gone? Now is your agenda the Lord's? Are you willing to learn from the humble carpenter of Nazareth? If you are, you have been transformed. If not, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.

On that day, many will say "Lord, Lord". Jesus will reply, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers" (Matthew 7:23).

Many of us are Christian by culture and we have not been changed. Have you been changed? Have you been humbled? If not, what are you waiting for? Come to Jesus and live!