Why do we do things we know are wrong? Why does one person respond well to a challenge or hardship when another person in similar circumstances responds poorly? The answer is: our hearts.
If you want real hope to change, you must first accurately diagnose your problem. The Bible says:
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? ‘I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.’” Jeremiah 17:9-10
God knows our hearts and how we turn away from Him, looking to other things for happiness, security and direction. Until we address the issues deep in our hearts we will only be managing the symptoms of our disease. But there is a cure! Watch this seven minute video that explains Jeremiah 17, showing where our biggest problems come from and how the cross of Jesus Christ gives us the hope and power to change!
Here is a worksheet (PDF; Word Doc) that summarizes Jeremiah 17 as a diagnostic tool. This is adapted from Paul Tripp and Timothy Lane’s insightful book, How People Change, showing how their model fits with the down-to-the-cross, up-to-obedience pattern of the Gospel.
Change begins with the important first step of humbling yourself before the Lord. Watch this short video about coming to the cross of Jesus:
For more from The Calvary Road and how to change click here. In addition to the series on The Gospel, also watch, read or listen to Keep Moving Forward – an exposition of Romans 8.