September 11th, 2019

“God give me courage to change the things which should be changed.” 

St. Paul confesses this in Romans 7: “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate…. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” 

Paul’s honest and universally applicable appraisal of himself puts a serious chokehold on both our willingness and ability to change. That doesn’t mean that change isn’t possible; it just means that we’ve got to start with a no holds barred evaluation of our own limitations. Although, this biblical wisdom stands in stark contrast to the lucrative self-help industry, I trust you have enough experience with yourself not to argue with St. Paul on this one.

Change powered by our own internal locomotion is a doomed venture, but change inspired by the Spirit of God is a different animal altogether. There are things in you and in the world that can and, as the prayer says, should be changed. You know what those things are without me, or your mother, having to bring them to your attention. Just remember from whence our help doth come. For the same St. Paul of Romans 7 says this in Philippians 4: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

“Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.” (For Guidance—BCP p. 832)