Can We Really Change?

Our minds are like a long line of computer code that edits itself.  Imagine a DOS system like Windows trying to edit itself to become a MAC OS like OS X.  Could it ever really do it?  So, if our minds begin adding "code of reasoning" since before birth, and each new decision adds to the legacy effect by extending and building upon the base code, how can it become a new thing and not just more of what it was?

MS DOS is what the Windows computer software is built on.  They have changed many things about it since the 80s, but down deep inside there is still some of the same code.  The core of it, the true basic nature of its processing path remains the same.  So, if our minds also have a basic code that we build upon, then how can we really change?

In the Gospel of John, Chapter 3, Nicodemus is questioning Jesus about this very thing, but doesn't get it.  He thinks that for a man to be "born again" he must shrink down (ala Benjamin Button) and re-enter the womb so he can be born from the womb again.  But, Christ was talking about the person, not the body.  The "person" is what is found in the mind's layer-upon-layer of reasoning, rationale, memories, wants, and patterns.  But, being born again does not erase our memories, does it?

In order to really change, we must have help... on the inside.  Jesus Christ sends us the Holy Spirit and It enters into our hearts, our minds, our souls and changes us from the inside, but never against our will.  In some ways, it would be like a new interior decorator coming intothe old house and sprucing things up.  The decorator would never presume, assume, or demand a change.  They politely offer ideas and over time the homeowner learns to trust the decorator more and more.

The Holy Spirit is a very peaceful, patient, and polite servant of change.  But, the Holy Spirit is able to work with the base code and make changes in it (that we authorize) so we can live life better - more joyful, peaceful, loving, forgiving, and honest.  As we allow these changes to take place we see improvements in our relationships, our sense of self, and in our appreciation for what God can do.

After a few months or years of working with and trusting the Holy Spirit within us, we can look back and see that we are truly different.  Our reasons for doing things have changed, our wants have changed, and we are creating new patterns with very different types of memories.

So, yes we can really change - but not on our own.  Thank God.