The Roots of Change

Change can be a daunting endeavor. We often make commitments to change our eating habits, get more exercise, or even focus on our spiritual growth — but we find ourselves repeatedly falling short. As I reflect on my own journey, I can’t help but recall the numerous times I vowed to get back into fitness after becoming overwhelmed with work and studying. I even used to be a personal trainer! Yet somehow, excuses piled up, and those commitments remained just that — commitments without action.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar predicament? You’re not alone. This struggle lies at the intersection of desire and action, and it can feel like a perpetual cycle of commitment without fulfillment. Scripture calls us to action in many ways as seen throughout the Bible. In Colossians 3:16, we are reminded to “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly,” which highlights the importance of truth as a foundation for our lives. We often aim for behavioral modification—an outward change—but without addressing the roots of our behaviors, true and lasting transformation is unlikely.

Consider the example of a tree. You might dislike a tree in your yard, so you head outside with a saw. You cut off a larger branch and walk back inside, satisfied that you’ve made a change. However, the tree remains—and it eventually grows back. Why? Because simply trimming the tree doesn’t eliminate the roots. Change stems from addressing these underlying issues.

Easing into my fitness journey was interrupted by feelings of being overwhelmed due to my busy schedule and the numerous commitments I took on. These feelings led to lies that blocked my path to the gym. The truth is, I truly do have time; I simply needed to re-prioritize my life.

As stated in Matthew 4:4, it is not just bread that sustains us, but the words from God. By reinforcing our minds and spirits with Scripture, we arm ourselves against the lies that hinder our progress. When I began to delve into God’s word, I realized I needed to manage my time more effectively—not just for myself but for others.

Psalm 119:11 reminds us, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Hiding God’s word deep within us enables us to confront the lies and excuses that block the path to change.

To effectively make changes, we must also dig into 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which tells us that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. When we apply this theory to our lives, we can establish a solid foundation upon which our motivations and actions can stand.

Have you ever heard of the analogy of light in Psalm 119:105? “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” This guidance reveals that when we internalize God’s truths, we can see the way more clearly.

In our journey for change, we must confront our insecurities and the busy distractions that occupy our time. Allocating time to care for ourselves is not selfish; as stated in Galatians 5:13-14, we are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Taking care of our bodies allows us to serve more faithfully and effectively.

So, what problem do you need to dig deep to address? It could vary from unhealthy habits that drag you down to feelings of inadequacy that distort your vision of change. Don’t just cut off the branches; tend to the roots. Replace the lies with the truth of God’s word, and with each decision, you move closer to the change you desire.

Let’s commit to engaging in this transformative journey together. Take a moment today to reflect on the changes you aspire to make and ask yourself this:

What roots do I need to address in order to truly thrive?