Changing stubborn ways can help us reach full potential

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I put childish ways behind me."

- 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV).

I laugh at the memorable day when I walked in my child's room, only to find my 3-year-old son dressed in a yellow and brown striped polo shirt, multicolored checkered pants that came down to the length of his shin, and the toes on his shoes pointing in opposite directions.

I gasped at his lack of fashion sense.

A battle quickly ensued when I suggested he exchange a few articles of clothing to a better mix and match.

"I do it myself!" he protested.

After my own lesson on patience and perseverance in dealing with this matter, we finally settled for a few minor changes.

Fortunately, my son, now an adult, has outgrown his childish way of fashion and has more style when selecting his clothing. Reflecting back on this episode, however, makes me wonder how many times a similar battle is going on between us and God.

We want our way, yet God, like a loving parent, is trying to show us a new way to better ourselves. Instead of reaching out for His loving kindness and looking at a new way to do something, we stick to our stubborn, childish ways of rebellion and decide, "I'll do it myself," thus, keeping us stuck in something that doesn't fit us anymore.

God wants us to turn to Him for help. He can give us an easier, smarter way to do things, a positive new direction, or even open an unexpected door of blessing. But He can't if we refuse to turn our ways over to Him and try to do everything ourselves.

Whether we are struggling to forgive someone, break a habit, or change an attitude, we need the power of the Holy Spirit in our life to help us bring about change.

Maybe it's time to examine what childish ways we are holding on to in our hearts, and realize God wants to help us to put those behind us so we can reach our full potential.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413. She is available to speak to your church group or organization or be your personal life coach.