The Christian worldview consists of many paradoxical statements. For example, according to the Scriptures a person can only find self through losing self. True mental healing comes through brokenness. Real joy comes through obedience to the commands of God and has nothing to do with positive circumstances. True freedom is a function of being a slave to Christ. And self-denial is self-discovery.
In addition, one of the most important paradoxes concerns how do we change society for the better. Sadly, most people believe that if we can only change society through better laws and government, then we can change people’s behaviors, which in term will make society even better. This idea according to Scripture can never work because man is inherently sinful and better laws only work if we have better people. And better people can only happen through Christ, and not better laws or programs. I like how Charles Colson put it: “Some say society must change in order to change people. No, people must be changed in order to change society.”1
My friends, the paradox of change is that while good laws can reform behavior only Jesus can transform behavior. And only the transformed individual can really change society. When a person accepts Jesus into their heart a radical change takes place and an entire new set of values become the new way of life for such an individual. New higher laws become stamped on their heart and a new power to say yes to God and no to the old sin nature allows for genuine change in not only that person but in the way they relate to society. And when enough people submit to Christ a real change takes place in society.
Society in America today has seen a constant decay in morality despite many laws on the books to prevent this decay. Laws, however, can only modify and change behavior so much. Only a true disciple of Christ can help to transform and change a society through the power of the new Christlike nature within his or her heart. Many still believe that society can change the individual but without Christ only superficial changes can occur. But with Christ transformational changes can occur within individuals and through them whole societies can see major changes for the good.
In conclusion, if you want to become truly free, become a slave to Christ. And as a servant of Jesus you will be able to change society. It may sound crazy but the moment I became a bondservant of Christ was the moment I became truly free to experience true peace, joy, and deep meaning in life – along with the vast potential to change society for the good!
1 Change In Society Quotes: top 38 famous quotes about Change In Society