What’s your default response to a problem? Growing up on the farm I had two primary tools to fix things, a sledgehammer to beat something into place or a cutting touch to cut my problem away. That would be my default way of life. I had a limited view of the problem. I chose what seemed the quickest solution. I did not consider the damage I was doing when I was pounding or cutting away the problem. This can best be described with the prideful phrase, “That’s just the way I am!” But in reality, I think Forrest Gump said it best, “Stupid is as stupid does!”

But Jesus changes everything. While He takes us as we are…He calls us to His Way of seeing & loving people. His Way of responding to life. His Way to Obedience. In John 14:15 He tells us, “If you love me, obey my commandments.”

So what were His Commands? He made it simple. Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37 These two commands are found rooted in Deuteronomy 6:5 & Leviticus 19:18.  

We must allow God to change our defaults from our old ways to His Ways. I challenge you to pray daily His Word found in Psalm 25:45, “Show me Your Ways, Lord, teach me Your Paths. Guide me in Your Truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 

Now would be a good time to put the sledgehammer down and pickup God’s Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to whisper to your heart…to begin the transformation to the Way of Jesus.