This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. Colossians 1:6 (NLT)

On Easter morning, our local church was packed full. Each person who attended that morning was given a large green card and a black marker. During the service, people were asked to write a word or phrase on one side of the card that describes the core sin they’ve struggled with in their lives. On the other side of the card they were asked to write a word or phrase to describe the person they have become after experiencing God’s grace.

The worship continued, and I watched from the back as people began to sing. Suddenly, without being prompted, some one stood from his seat and held his card high in the air. Then another, and another. The room erupted as people publicly lifted their cards in the air to proclaim one simple fact: my life changed because I followed Jesus.

This journey of following Jesus is about life change:

From selfishness to selflessness
From hatred to love
From bitterness to joy
From anxiety to peace
From impatience to patience
From anger to kindness
From destructive behavior to goodness
From infidelity to faithfulness
From hardness to gentleness
From addiction to self-control
From death to Life.

There are plenty of hypocrites in this world. There always has been, and there always will be. You don’t have to look far to find them. At the same time, I know the stories of countless people, humble and sincere, who can tell you honest and moving stories about the incredible change in their lives since they decided to follow Jesus. I have my own story to tell, and as I press on in the journey day-by-day the change continues to take place. From the day I first decided to follow until this very day, I am being changed and refined. I’m a better man for it.

Does your life need to change?