When we become a Christian (one who is a follower of Jesus Christ) we still have to deal with our earth suits that we walk around in down here. We know we are a triune person (a spirit with a soul in a body). When we open our heart and life to Jesus as Savior we are changed.
From Him coming into our lives we are a new creature. We are changed in our spirits. We still have our soul (mind, will, emotions) in our earthly body. With that it goes without saying that we all are faced with behaviors and attitudes that do not automatically line up with being like our example Jesus for living Godly. He modeled it as Son of man. He was also Son of God but left His domain of divinity to come to earth.
So, think about it. What are some of your “default settings”?
Need some help thinking that through? I did.
Here is the definition. If something happens by default, it happens only because something else which might have prevented it or changed it has not happened.
Do you take responsibility for your actions? or blame others?
Do you think you are always right? or are you open to being wrong?
Do you forgive when treated badly? or do you hold a grudge?
Do you act out in anger? or have patience with others?
Are you envious of others and what they have that you don’t? or are you happy when others are blessed?
Do you want everything your way? or are you willing to yield?
Do you complain? or are you thankful?
Over the years, since I opened my life to Jesus, He has been doing a work in me to conform me to His image little by little, day by day. As I behave or react badly in life He has helped me to adjust my attitudes and actions. I’ve said a number of times, “I could be a great Christian if it weren’t for other people!” People can bring out the good in you but they can surely bring out the negative at times. Our relationships with others can help us see what is inside of us for sure. Even those we love dearly. The great thing is over the years I recognize my default settings have been changing. Instead of a quick response to someone when hurt or angry I find I hold my tongue and let God help me to forgive and move on. Something as simple as when I physically hurting myself like shutting my hand in a car door, I don’t scream and yell or say something not so nice. I hold my peace and maybe just cry until the pain subsides. My default setting has changed. These are minor changes. I just know I am a different person and act differently in so many ways because of the healing and cleansing God has done in my heart through His Spirit and by the Word I’ve put in my heart by reading the Bible. He has worked in me great and wonderful things. He brings peace when I normally would be fretting. He helps me see the good and be filled with hope instead of fear and dread. He lifts me up through the ebb and flow of life. The good and the bad and the ugly, He’s there to help and teach me. He loves me and helps me to be changed from the inside out. It’s Jesus, to answer the question “how to change your default setting”.
I love that quote from Mary Magdelene in THE CHOSEN series. She says it perfectly in the picture below.
