Change Begins Within

Let us face it, there have been times in our lives that we have grumbled and complained about the mediocrity of our lives.

We have pointed fingers on others concerning our mishaps, even hoping that they change their ways so that our lives would be better.

But have we stopped and thought about what could possibly be the reasons why we cannot seem to progress from our meager and lackluster state of poverty?

Have we looked deep inside for our own attitudes or habits that hinder us from experiencing a good life?

Most of us, I believe, would want to be able to make an impact in our respective countries or societies, to replace the faulty system of government that prevails in society, to break down the restrictive norms and prejudices that society tries to enforce on people, to oust the oppressive forces and authorities that rule in our nations and in the end, to change our world and make it a better place to live in.

But I believe that this would be very difficult to do even if you are able to amass multitudes of people to join you in your endeavor.

Of course, you may be able to overpower corrupt leaders and bring them to justice but that does not guarantee that everything will change and everyone will have fine and dandy lives. You may change the head but if the body stays the same, no amount of force can change the situation of society.

Therefore, if we truly want there to be change in our governments, in our systems and norms in society, in the way we live and in the quality of life, I believe that the change needs to begin within us.

We may pray to God to change the situation of our nation and make the country prosperous and equitable for all people but the answers we get may not be what we expected or wanted.

I believe that God would first change us - our ways of living, our thoughts and perspectives, our attitude and habits - and He wants to change our heart.

Change starts from the inside (our heart, mind, and spirit) and then on the outside (our words and deeds) until it can finally foster and instill change on others.

There might be injustices happening around us now and we might feel the urge to go out on the streets and march toward the gates of our leaders but if truly want there to be change - genuine change - then it needs to start with us and within us.

Let us ask God to change us first before we seek for Him to change our whole society, or government, or even the world. Let us stop trying to change others if we are not open to the change that should take place within ourselves and the wrong attitudes or habits that we do.

I believe that is time to repent and turn away from the sins that we have committed and continue to commit and to allow God to make the changes that needs to be done within us and then in our families, communities, societies, governments, and countries.

There is still time; it is not over yet rather it is just the beginning. God Bless!