Oftentimes, believers don't want to examine themselves because they fear knowing the truth. However, fear of self-examination hinders you from growing spiritually.
Most likely you perform certain activities on a regular basis from which you generally don't deviate. Nearly everyone exercises some form of routine in their daily lives. For example, traveling to work using a specific route. Or Preparing the same holiday meals year after year.

Routines aren't bad as long as they don't govern your life or keep you from accomplishing the will of God. Some routines can help you live more productively, while others can hinder your progress. Certain routines can become controlling and stagnate growth if you allow them. Moreover, they can make you stubborn toward change. And if you're unwilling to change and conform to God's plan, you will fall short of receiving your God-given inheritance. Not only that, you will be completely out of His will.

If you're born again, then you're in covenant with the Father and entitled to the promises He swore to Abraham (see Gal. 3:26-29). An inheritance of prosperity has been established for you. As a covenant child of God you have been blessed in order to be a blessing to others (Gen. 12:3). In other words, you've been empowered to prosper! Therefore in order to claim your inheritance and become the person God wants you to be, put your agenda aside and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. Be willing to change the way you think, speak, and live by conforming to the Word of God. Your willingness to change is vital to living successfully.

The Word of God Is the Mirror of Change
Change means "to make different; to follow a different course or action; to replace one thing with another; to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution." Have you ever seen a two-sided mirror? If you have, you probably noticed that one side of the mirror reflects your actual image, while the other side distorts and enlarges it. The side that reflects the larger image helps you to see your skin's imperfections. If you're like most people, you probably hate to look at this side. After all, who wants to be reminded of their imperfections?

Whether we like it or not, the Bible is the mirror of life and under its light, the blemishes and impurities in our lives become exposed. The Word of God penetrates through the hardest of hearts. It can accurately discern our thoughts and intentions (Heb. 4:12). It also reveals the areas in our lives that need correcting. By following the guidelines established by God in His Word, we purify ourselves and enter into God's perfect will.

When you study the Bible with diligence and consistency, then you will undergo a constant transformation. The more you gaze into the mirror of the Word and conform to what you see, the more Christ-like you'll become. Living by the Word transforms you into Jesus' image of perfection and excellence. In essence you are exchanging your imperfections and shortcomings for His splendor. Second Corinthians 3:18 says, "And all of us, as with unveiled face, (because we) continued to behold (in the Word of God) as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; (for this comes) from the Lord (Who is) the Spirit" (AMP).  

As a born-again believer, you are a partaker and a joint-heir with Christ Jesus (see Rom. 8:17). To partake means "to have or take a share." Therefore Christ has a part in the covenant and you have yours. He did His part by taking on your sins and dying on the cross. Your obligation is to live righteously, conform to His way of doings things, and receive the promised inheritance. You don't need to partake of the world's corrupt system of operation. Child of God, you are a shareholder in God's kingdom!

Three Hindrances to Change
There are three hindrances to change: pride, fear, and selfishness. First, to be prideful means to be "arrogant and excessive in self-esteem." It is to exalt your accomplishments above those of others. Pride leads to failure. Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

When you don't comply with the Word of God, you are allowing your will to prevail over His will. Pride builds a barrier between you and God, because it is completely opposite to humility. When you exercise humility, on the other hand, God is able to exalt you in due season (1 Peter. 5:6).

Secondly, fear of failure hinders many Christians from change. When I was growing up, my parents used to say that I had such an ugly attitude. My father used to remind me of this all the time, but I never really took him seriously. However, once I began living by the Word, I realized that he was right and that I was afraid to face the reality. When I married Creflo, the Lord dealt with me concerning my attitude. He allowed my husband to repeat the same things my father used to say concerning my attitude. Finally, I realized that I needed to change. Because of my willingness to change, I have become a better person.

Oftentimes, believers don't want to examine themselves because they fear knowing the truth. However, fear of self-examination hinders you from growing spiritually. Everyone has areas in their lives that need to be changed and relinquished to the Lord. Judging your aspirations and motives is one of the best things you can do for your spiritual growth. Second Corinthians 13:5 says, "Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves ..." (The Amplified Bible).

Finally, selfishness is a barrier to change. It is to be "concerned only or primarily with oneself without regard for others." The evidence of your maturity as a Christian is based on your willingness to put aside your own plans in order to fulfill the will of God. Like pride, selfishness will cause you to focus on doing things that will bring you pleasure instead of on things that will bring God pleasure. When you elevate self-will above His desires, it is difficult for true change to take place in your life.

Are you self-conscious about maintaining your reputation? Are you afraid of living by God's standards because you think you'll lose your identity? If so, let me remind you of an important part of your commitment as a Christian. Whether you realize it or not, you made a commitment not to take the Lord's name in vain when you became a Christian.

To take Christ's name in vain is to wear the label of a Christian and not live as one. It's to say that you accept Jesus as your Savior, but not as your Lord and Master. You may think that because you're a Christian, you're automatically guaranteed success. Unfortunately, if you're not living according to God's standards, you are only fooling yourself.

If you ever want to experience true success in every area of your life, don't allow the opinions of others, the pride of life, and selfish ambitions to hinder you from doing what God instructs you to do. Be willing to change and grow. Your attitude toward change will determine whether you'll be victorious or succumb to troubling circumstances.

Change Allows You to Recognize God's Will
Many Christians compromise their values and beliefs in order to fit in with the world's way of doings things. Because they have been conditioned to rely on the world, they miss opportunities to walk in abundance. The abundant life God has planned for you will only come when you make a quality decision to change. In order for transformation to occur, you must renew your mind with the Word of God. Once your mind is renewed, you will be able to clearly discern what God's perfect will is.

Child of God, success is determined by your willingness to change and live according to the Word of God. In order to change, do whatever God instructs you to do. He knows what areas in your life need changing. Be open to correction, turn your will over to God, obey Him, and guard your heart.

Change may seem frightening to you, especially when you're not sure of the outcome. However, it's better for you to change now and follow God's plan, than to continue trusting in your abilities. Make the proper adjustments now and experience the benefits of success. Remember that true change is not change until you've changed.

World Changers Ministries
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