A revolution starts with a resolution. A resolution to make an impact. An impact that leads to permanent solutions. Permanent solutions will bring growth for generations to come. But the truth is, we can’t be effective at revolutionizing the world if there is a revolution to be had in our own heart.
The revolution of the faith is what makes radical change. When we open our heart and soul for Christ to transform us from the inside out, our words will match his plans, our vision will meet His victory, and the mission we sought to revolutionize will be His message of redemption.
How do we do that?
1. Evaluate Areas That Are Failing
2. Ask God to Show You What to Do
3. Sit Down and Develop a Revolutionary Strategy
4. Adopt the Changes Onto Your Calendar
5. Develop a Treasury of Bible Verses
6. Recruit Reinforcements
7. Persevere
Evaluate Areas That Are Failing
First, evaluate areas in your life that seem to be failing. These aren't usually hard to spot; they're often painfully obvious. Perhaps your mind is strained by anxiety or stained by lust. Maybe covetousness is contributing to credit card debt. Maybe your anger toward someone has damaged a relationship. Maybe you have an unresolved grief in your life, or you're overbooked, resulting in spasmodic church attendance. What if your lazy streak is acting up, and you're not diligent at work anymore? Maybe you've become depressed. It's hard to keep our lives well regulated, and we must constantly be honest with ourselves about areas needing attention. Don't let things fester. Decide to deal with them today.
Ask God to Show You What to Do
For believers, this kind of self-evaluation leads to prayer. Psalm 139 marvels at how thoroughly God knows our strengths and weaknesses, our days and moments, our thoughts and motives. As the psalmist David contemplated the omniscience of the Lord, he composed a petition at the end of the Psalm: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
That's a prayer we can adopt whenever we need to change something about ourselves. Our lives don't improve simply by turning over a new leaf. The true revolution of Christ requires overthrowing strongholds. It's a spiritual work accomplished within us by the Holy Spirit. He longs to perfect what concerns us, so ask God for help and guidance.
Sit Down and Develop a Revolutionary Strategy
Next, sit down and develop a strategy. For example, you might schedule an hour or so at a coffee shop for an appointment with yourself. Take a notepad. Order your coffee or tea, pull out a pad of paper, and begin jotting down changes you could make to some neglected area of life. Let's say, for example, you've realized you have a habit you want to break. Habits are stubborn. They are ingrained patterns that often become addictive, but with God's grace and guidance you can replace bad habits with healthy ones. We know it's possible. Our Lord specializes in sanctification. He generates it, but we must "work out" our salvation as God "works in" us (Philippians 2:12).
Think about a strategy. How can you bring yourself to commitment? Are there people who can help you? Are there books you can read? Are there steps you can take? Are there places you should avoid?
It's amazing how helpful it is to commit to a simple written plan—your own prayerful, powerful revolutionary strategy. A revolution often starts with a resolution—not the January kind, but a consecrated resolve to let the Lord change something about us. Reducing it to writing makes the process more tangible and certain.
Adopt the Changes Onto Your Calendar
Fourth, you must adopt the changes onto your calendar, for true change almost always means some modification of our daily routines. If you want to start getting up earlier for your morning devotions, when should you go to bed the night before? If you want to make time for dates with your spouse or children, how do those translate to your calendar? If you want to resolve a difficult issue with a friend, make that appointment. If you want to start leading a Bible study, rearrange your weekly agenda to make room for it. If you want to break an addiction, is there a Christian support group you can attend? The Bible tells us to make the best use of our time (Ephesians 5:16). To change a pattern in life, it takes both time and time management.
Develop a Treasury of Bible Verses
Fifth, develop a war chest of Bible verses. Only the words of Scripture are powerful enough to bring change to our lives! Only by hiding God's Word in our hearts can we avoid sinning against the Lord. If you need a personal revolution in your attitudes, search out Bible verses on love, joy, and peace. If you need to overcome worry, find verses about trusting God and post them where you can see them through the day. Become as familiar with those verses as with your own address and phone number. Meditate on them while you drive, shower, and exercise. The Sword of the Spirit (God's Word) is the best weapon for staging a revolt against the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Recruit Reinforcements
Sixth, recruit reinforcements. The apostle Paul, who never lost his revolutionary spirit, constantly surrounded himself with friends and coworkers who could encourage him. Find someone with whom you can be honest. Find a small group to encourage you. Ask certain friends to pray with you. Surround yourself with fellow believers who will strengthen your faith.
Persevere
Finally, don't give up. Change is hard to sustain. Modifying your lifestyle and changing your habits is like rewiring a house, but don't be shocked—you can do it if you make up your mind. Proverbs 24:16 says, "A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again."
Revolution starts with you and your determination. Perhaps it's time for a change in an area of your life. Ask God for guidance, direction, and strength to follow through; and press on to victory. Remember Romans 8:37: "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
Our Revolutionary Redeemer has already won the victory.