“THAT’S JUST HOW I AM.” Have you ever said that about yourself? “I have a short temper. That’s just how I am.” “I don't forgive easily.” “I’m naturally proud.” “I don't trust people.” “I always have to have my way.” “I just speak my mind.” But what if Jesus loves you too much to leave you exactly as you are? I’ve been thinking about these words: «“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5» When we come to Jesus, He gives us new life. But sometimes old ways of thinking are still there. Old attitudes. Old reactions. Old wounds. Old habits. Old ways of seeing ourselves and other people. And some of these things don't disappear simply because we became Christians. They have to be surrendered. There are things only God can do. And there are things God is asking you to choose. God gives the grace. The Holy Spirit gives the power. But you still have to say: “No, I will not continue feeding this.” When a thought comes that contradicts God's truth, you don't have to entertain it. When bitterness says, “Never forgive them,” you can choose forgiveness. When pride says, “Nobody can correct me,” you can choose humility. When temptation says, “Just this once,” you can choose obedience. When fear says, “You can't,” you can remember what God has said. When your flesh says, “That's just who you are,” you can answer: “No. Jesus is changing me.” That doesn't mean you fight everything in your own strength. Paul says: «“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God.” — 2 Corinthians 10:4» So we pray. We read the Word. We depend on the Holy Spirit. We seek godly accountability. And then… we make choices. Because sometimes after you've prayed, you still have to close the door. Sometimes after you've prayed, you have to apologize. Sometimes after you've prayed, you have to walk away. Sometimes after you've prayed, you have to stop feeding the thought. Sometimes after you've prayed, you have to say NO to yourself. That's not trying to save yourself. That's responding to God's grace. Philippians 2:13 says: «“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”» God works in you. And you respond to His work. So can I ask you something personal? What needs to come down in your life? Pride? Bitterness? Unforgiveness? Lust? Fear? Jealousy? The need for people's approval? The desire to control everything? A habit you've been defending? A mindset you've been calling “my personality”? Don't protect what Jesus is asking you to surrender. And please don't condemn yourself either. Come to Jesus. Tell Him the truth. “Lord, this is in me. I don't want it anymore. Help me.” You don't have to pretend. You don't have to clean yourself up before coming to Him. Come as you are. But don't be satisfied with remaining as you are. Jesus didn't save us so we could spend our lives defending the things He wants to transform. He is making us more like Himself. «“But we all... are changed into the same image from glory to glory.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18» So today, perhaps don't just pray: “Lord, change me.” Ask: “Lord, what are You asking me to surrender?” And when He shows you… Don't make excuses. Don't defend it. Don't call it “just my nature.” Bring it to Jesus. By His grace, tear it down. Not because you are strong enough. But because He is strong enough. ❤️ If this speaks to you, complete this sentence in the comments: “Jesus, I am surrendering _________ to You.” You don't have to explain everything. Even one word is enough. #Jesus #Christianity #Faith #Surrender #HolySpirit #ChristianLiving #Prayer #Transformation