Lasting Change
No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse (Matt.9.16).
When it comes to following Jesus, it is a signed up for changes that will occur throughout your life time – spiritual oddysey. At no point should any follower think he/she can hold back and expects the best in the relationship. As he reveals newer things to you about your belief, yourself, ambition and so on, he expects you to let go of the old completely to embrace the new.
For some, following Jesus is to confess Him but hold on to their old ways. It means to hold on to their old traditions. It means to accept the convenient parts and let go of the bitter parts. Little wonder they have not made any significant progress in their life journey with God. They keep getting stuck. Avoid that trap.
From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more (John.6.66).
This happened immediately after telling his followers hard truths about what it means to follow him and the changes they should expect. They left him to himself because they desired to change a little. Little changes does not produce permanent results. If you must change, be willing to go all the way to the end.
Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (John.6.67 – 68).
For those who will experience the lasting change, they should have a resolve to remain with Christ through the thick and thin. As the new revelations come, discard the old ones to make room for change. Peter and others stood their grounds until they became the envy of the world. It is now your turn.