The Random House Dictionary definition of Change:
1) to make different
2) to exchange for something else
3) to remove or replace the covering or coverings
4) to become different
5) to make a change or exchange
6) the act or fact of changing or being changed
7) a variation or deviation.

When you become a Christian you are supposed to die to self and give up things that are not Christ like. No one promised this to be an easy task...as a matter of fact it's a process that all too often seems like it can go one step forward and two steps back. So what does it mean to change when you become a Christian? Does it mean that you have to lose all your freinds? Does it mean you have to give up everything?

The answer is yes, but (and this is the part most people forget) only if it isn't pleasing to God. Who are you to "impress" your friends or Jesus? Who are you to "immitate" your friends, parents etc. or Jesus? Who are you to want to "be like" your hero (if this isn't Jesus), your parents, your friends or Jesus? It seems like when it comes down to doing stupid things, like using language that can be offensive, drinking, drugs, who we hang out with and what we do in our free time, we forget who we are trying to be like. For me, I am trying to be like Jesus, does this mean I don't mess up? Absolutely not! I mess up all the time...but here is the question you have to ask yourself and may be the defining factor, are you trying to do better each time and not using cheap grace?

You may be saying well, isn't grace grace, I mean you get it and God freely gives it no matter what...so what is this cheap vs. costly grace? Cheap grace is where your attitude is one that allows you to keep making the same mistake over and over again because you know that God will forgive you but no real change has occured in you. Costly grace, is where you do a 180 degree turn and try to never do it again....this at times can be very painful. But can also be the most rewarding. This is where you are trying to be like Christ, but fall short as we all do.

I always hear "But it's not that easy!" No, you're absolutely right it's not easy, it's a lot of work and takes a lot of commitment but from my own experience I can promise you that it is rewarding. Was it an uphill battle to stop drinking for me, absolutely! Did I mess up and "fall off the bandwagon" yes, but I didn't stop trying! And now I am no longer a slave to that sin!!! Praise God! Did I used to have a potty mouth, sure, was it easy to erase a part of my vocabulary that I so frequently used, no it wasn't, but I was committed to it and now am free of it! Was it easy for me to find new friends when my old friends weren't accepting of my new lifestyle...well, for some people it isn't but this one I was blessed that God brought me new friends right away...due to a loving and encouraging youth group that I was introduced into. God works in mysterious ways and when you follow Him and do what He wants you to do, He will bless you...is it hard, sure, is it rewarding? Most definately!

So what does your life look like? Do you show the world that you have found the truth? Does your life look like what Christ would want it to be? What does your myspace reflect? What does your language reflect? What does your lifestyle reflect? Are you who you hang out with? Is one of the people you hang out with Christ? Are you like him? Does your sex life reflect His teachings? What about the way you dress? There are so many things that you may think it's overwhelming....that's ok there is no clock ticking or timing you. take one step at a time and you will grow into the type of person Christ would want you to be. Can it be painful, yes, no one wants to give up things they like, but is it for the best? YES! The reward is eternal life with Jesus in Heaven! I don't know about you but when I reach the gates I don't want to hear Jesus say "Depart from Me, for I do not know you." What does your life reflect? What does change look like for you? Do you need to change or are you good where you are? I guess it's just something to ponder.