Have you experienced moments when God gently puts a finger on something in your heart and says, “Let me work here”? Sometimes it is an attitude we have carried for years. Sometimes it is a habit that no longer brings life. Sometimes it is a fear or a wound we have learned to work around. Allowing God to touch these places can feel uncomfortable. Real change often does.
This kind of courage looks different from the courage people usually talk about. It is humble and willing. It is the courage to let God lead us into deeper holiness.
What Scripture shows us
Paul describes this change using powerful language. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20. This is not a small adjustment … it is a total reorientation of the heart. It means letting the life of Jesus shape our reactions, relationships and priorities.
Romans chapter 6 gives another picture. It describes believers as having died to sin and risen to new life in Christ. This is not something we achieve through effort. It is the work of God in us. Our part is to respond with trust and obedience.
As Salvationists we understand that holiness involves both a decisive moment of surrender and a lifelong process where the Holy Spirit continues to shape the believer’s character. This growth touches the whole person and leads to changes in attitudes, habits and relationships. Holiness can be described as Christ living in us. This reminds us that spiritual growth requires responsiveness to the Holy Spirit and a willingness to be changed. This process often involves spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Scripture reflection, and accountability. These help believers stay open to God’s work in their lives .
Why this requires courage
Allowing God to reshape our inner life means being honest with ourselves and open before God. It involves admitting when certain patterns no longer fit a Christlike life. It might entail forgiving someone. Or asking for forgiveness. It might mean rethinking how we use our time, our words or our resources.
Courage is needed because change is rarely comfortable. Romans 8 verses 13 to 14 says: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Scripture reminds us that the Holy Spirit empowers this process. We do not walk into change alone. God supplies strength where we feel weak and brings renewal where we feel stuck.
Holiness is freedom. It is the life we were created for. The more we allow God to change us, the more vibrant and authentic our Christian witness becomes.
Reflection questions
- What part of your life do you sense God inviting you to surrender or rethink?
- How have you seen the Holy Spirit shape your character in the past?
- What spiritual practice could help you stay open to God’s work this season?
- Who can support you as you grow in Christlike character?
Prayer
Lord, I open my life to you. Give me courage to face the places where you want to bring change. Help me trust your work in me. Form Christ’s character in my thoughts, words and actions. Lead me into the freedom of holy living. Amen.