“A leopard doesn’t change its spots” is something I used to say about people when I was convinced they would never change, especially if they had a history of doing me wrong. A few years ago Pastor Josh Surrat of Seacoast Church preached a sermon titled An Unlikely Convert. It was about the conversion of Saul. The entire time I thought about all of the Sauls in my life and was very doubtful about their change.
During this lesson, Pastor Josh gave us a list of six things we should do if a person is not showing change: (1) pray for a supernatural event (2) pray for a dream (3) pray God takes them to a point of desperation (4) speak and act in faith towards them (see who they can be) (5) claim a promise for them (6) don’t give up speaking truth and love.
Over a year ago I put Pastor Josh’s advice into practice when it came to my daughter’s father. I am here to tell you, in the beginning it was not easy and it was hard to be consistent. Once I was fully engaged I began to see God’s hand at work in his life. Some of it was good and some not so good if you look at it from the natural. There were times when I didn’t even see evidence that change was on the horizon. I found myself asking God, “What is it going to take?” I’ve even told my best friend, “He will never change. If that incident wasn’t a wake up call…” I remember being in prayer about him and the old familiar doubt crept into my mind. “You know leopards never change their spots. They will be the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”
Just as I was about to get amped up The Holy Spirit interrupted and reminded me of the changes God has made in me. In fact I am still a work in progress. I felt bad for my thoughts and began to ask: Who am I to think that I am the only one that God loves enough to change? Who am I to judge others? Matthew 7:1 tells us to not judge or we will be judged. Matthew 7:2 goes on to tell us the way we judge others will be the way we will be judged. That reminds me of the old saying, “When you point your finger at somebody else, remember you have three pointing back at you.” If you have never heard that before, point your finger and look at your hand.
Approximately six months ago my daughter’s father extended the long awaited olive branch with an apology of a lifetime! The one I wanted to hear for 8 years. The funny part is it came when I felt it was no longer owed to me. Imagine that. Out of the blue when I had let go and let God. I accepted the apology but still had my guard up because when you’ve been hurt/disappointed you don’t want to go there again. My interaction with him was forced and and guarded in the beginning. I found myself trying to rehash old stories just to keep from lowering my wall. He was patient and understanding. He knew it was going to take time to rebuild our friendship. However, I was not making it easy and I knew I had to pray. God opened my eyes to the signs of true repentance Sienna’s father was displaying. What is true repentance? True repentance wants to make/pay restitution for the wrong that was done and makes a continuous efforts to be better than what they were in the past.
When I think back on the times I have allowed people back into my life, I did not follow the six steps Pastor Josh suggested prior to doing so nor did I see evidence of repentance. I didn't even give thought to the fact that they were not in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that if we are in Christ we are new creatures and the old is no more. It was not long before the same transgressions occurred. No wonder I clung onto the idea that leopards do not change their spots. How many of you think that leopards don’t change their spots? Maybe not in the world of National Geographic but in God’s world they do. I know this for a fact because I am that leopard and if you are a new creature in Christ you are too. Let us not forgot where we've been. We should not be so quick to pass judgment and condemn others for the very same things we used to do and still do. We will always be clay in the hands of The Potter, constantly being shaped and molded.
Wow Ariel!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing and transparent piece.
Similar to you, I used to think people weren't capable of making lasting positive changes. However, once I saw what God did in my life I knew it was possible.
The life of Paul is such a great example. If God changed and used Him, He can change and use any of us too...if we are willing and truly want to change.
Thank you Jay! Transparency is my goal. I appreciate your comments.
ReplyDeleteI'm am glad that you've grown and allowed God to make the changes in your life.