What Would YOU Change?

If you had the power to change any one part
of this evil world, what would it be?

Norman L. Shoaf

A group of teenagers taking part in an essay contest were asked to write their answers to the question, "If you could change any one thing in the world, what would it be?"

How would you respond?

Many of the teens replied that they would end war or famine or ill health in the world. Some focused on problems they saw at their schools, or troubles in their own families.

But what about you? In a world beset by so many problems and evils, what one thing would you change?

Maybe you would answer as these teenagers did. Perhaps you would stop strife between nations, or world hunger, or sickness and disease. Maybe you would just like to make peace with your family. Maybe the biggest problem in your life relates to finances, or your job, or some other trial you find yourself in.

Of course, no one person can solve all the evils of this world. But there is one area where every person - yes, you, too - can make a difference. There is something you can change for the better!

The place to begin

A philosopher once asked, "If you were to set out to change the world, where would you start - with others, or with yourself?"
Ah, now, perhaps, we see where each one of us can begin to have a part in ultimately changing the world. We must begin with ourselves!

The only area where you really have control, when you get right down to it, is yourself. You and only you decide how you think and act in every life situation, no matter what happens around you or what others do. You can and must change you!

Solving all the world's problems in the coming world tomorrow will involve replacing carnal human nature with God's divine nature in every individual.

Romans 12:2 commands: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Each of us must work to root out of ourselves every selfish attitude, every wrong desire, all hostility, resentment, rejection of
God's authority. We must come to live, by nature, the way of love, outgoing concern, cooperation, peace and sharing with others.

But here's the trouble: Even in our personal lives - the only area, remember, where we can make changes now - we can't do it by ourselves. No person can overcome his or her human nature, and take on God's character, alone.

As Jeremiah 10:23 says, "It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps."

So how can we change?

The power to change

When we turn from our own way to live God's way, the power we must use is the same power God will ultimately use to change the entire world - the power of God's Holy Spirit!

Just as no human can solve the world's problems and troubles, no human can change his own nature. It happens "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6).

Once we repent of our old way of life, turn to God and decide once and for all to live God's way, God places His Holy Spirit in our minds, after we are baptized and one of God's ministers lays hands on us. We become one of God's own begotten children, one of the very few with whom God is now working to prepare the way for Christ's Second Coming to change the whole world.

And we can draw upon the very power of God to change our lives for the better in every area! We learn to rely on God to guide us in our lives and to show us what to, do in every situation.

This process is known as conversion. It is the process by which we are changed spiritually and prepared to assist Jesus Christ in changing - saving this world in the world tomorrow.

If you deeply desire to change your life - to give your life to God to use as He sees fit