Leopard Spots

Born again...and still the same. 
Do we ever truly change? 

Or are we forever stuck with the way we are like the spots on a leopard; a product of our genetics, personality, and environment.

"Can an Ethiopian change the color of his skin? Or can a leopard take away his spots? Then neither can you start doing good, for you have always done evil." (Jeremiah 13:23)

This Bible verse tells us it is impossible to change who we are by our own self-efforts. From my own personal experience, I know this to be true. 

But the Bible also tells us it is possible to become a completely new person:

"If any man be in Christ he is a new creature, the old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."  II Corinthians 5:17

This, however, is a supernatural act of God. And therein lies my problem.

Thirty-plus years ago I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ at a time of personal crisis, with the expectation and hope that I would be instantly and totally transformed, as the verse above indicates. But it has not worked out that way.

Oh sure, my life has changed in many ways since that momentous day, but surprisingly I still struggle with many of the same old habits, desires, thoughts, and attitudes I had before. I still seem to have the same old nature living inside of me, alive and well.

Why? 

Doesn't the verse above say that I will be a new person, miraculously and instantly changed? What am I missing? If it is God's supernatural work to change me, then why do I still feel guilty, living a powerless and fruitless life?

Beginning on January 1, I will embark on a journey to find the answer. I will chronicle my discoveries with the hope that in my search for the truth you will find some small benefit as well.

Personal note to those who follow my journey: The intent of this blog is to find the reason(s) behind the inconsistencies that exist between what I believe and how I live, not to be judgmental or force others to accept my beliefs or philosophies. If in my search for the truth your life is touched in some way, or I am touched by yours, it will be because of something beyond either of us.

I also warn that I intend to be brutally honest. Some of what I write may be offensive to some. I apologize for that. My intent is not to sensationalize nor glorify the good or the bad, but to tell the truth, to myself first and foremost, but also to you.

Look for my first post in the new year!