The Challenge Of Change Series

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#16]

THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE

Luke 5:27-39

Introduction:

Today, we are going to look at the challenge of change in our spiritual lives. We see Levi, a tax collector, who chose to leave his comfortable but corrupt life to follow Jesus. This decision highlights the significant shifts we might face when we commit to living for Christ. Change can be difficult, as it often meets resistance both from within ourselves and from the World. Like Levi, we also have the choice to let go of our past and embrace a new, unknown path of faith.

As we reflect on Levi's story, we can ask ourselves what holds us back from fully responding to God's call. Are we stuck in habits, relationships, or mindsets that prevent our spiritual growth? Jesus encourages us to let go of the old ways and make space for new faith. He invites us to rethink what makes us comfortable and to envision what it means to live in His grace. Today, let’s open our hearts to the possibility of change, knowing that while it may be challenging, giving ourselves to Jesus can lead us to a life filled with hope and purpose.

Luke 5:27-28

Change your…

1. Association.

The calling of Levi (Matthew) highlights how changing our associations can transform our spiritual lives. When Jesus asked Levi, a despised tax collector, to follow Him, it not only changed Levi's job but also placed him in a new community centered on faith and purpose. This scene illustrates God's desire for us to leave behind past associations and accept a new identity in Christ. Just like Levi left his old life, we need to examine the relationships in our lives and see if they bring us closer to God or pull us away.

On a practical level, changing our associations means looking at the influences around us, (our friends and social circles) and making choices that reflect our faith. This doesn't mean we have to cut ties with those who don't share our beliefs, but rather we should seek out relationships that help us grow spiritually. By surrounding ourselves with people who encourage us to be better, we can create an environment that fosters change. Being part of a community of believers provides the support we need to reflect Christ's love in our lives. Embracing these changes can lead to stronger relationships and a clearer understanding of our identity in Christ, showing that the challenge of change is both personal and communal.

Luke 5:29-30

Change your…

2. Perspective.

Levi invited Jesus and His disciples to a feast at his home, illustrating a significant change in perspective. As a tax collector, Levi was often viewed as an outcast, but he embraced his new identity in Christ and shared this transformative moment. In contrast, the Pharisees represent a narrow-minded view that limits God's grace to the inherently "righteous." This story teaches us that changing our perspective allows us to experience God's love more fully and share it with others. Jesus calls us to shift from exclusion to inclusion and from judgment to compassion, encouraging us to rise above societal norms and personal biases in our faith journey.

On a practical level, altering our perspective means making a conscious effort to understand and empathize with others. We should challenge our preconceived ideas and approach people with grace, recognizing that everyone has their own unique struggles. This could involve reaching out to someone we find difficult to connect with or engaging with marginalized individuals in our community. By doing this, we follow Christ's example of love and acceptance, creating spaces where others can feel the Gospel's warmth. A changed perspective not only transforms our own hearts but also fosters a more inclusive and compassionate community, enabling us to authentically live out our faith and reflect Christ's love in our everyday actions.

Luke 5:31-32

Change your…

3. Priorities.

Jesus showed how His Ministry changed the priorities of those who follow Him. He teaches that repentance is not just about stopping sinful behaviors; but about rethinking what is truly important in our lives. By spending time with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus revealed that God's grace is for everyone. This challenges us to reconsider who we prioritize, encouraging us to focus less on status and wealth, and more on love, mercy, and compassion for those in need. Shifting our focus from rituals to relationships can foster spiritual growth and create a genuine community.

To change our priorities in line with Jesus’ teachings, we must intentionally take action that reflects His values. This means dedicating time to service, building connections with those who struggle, and examining our commitments to ensure they align with our faith. We can start by identifying areas where we might be prioritizing pursuits that don’t align with Christ's heart. Regular reflection through prayer, studying Scripture, and engaging with mentors can help us determine where God wants us to invest our time and resources. By aligning our priorities with Jesus' mission, we not only respond to His call but also become instruments of His love and grace in a World that needs it.