An unknown monk writing around A.D. 1100 recorded these words: "When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town, and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world."
What does it take to change? According to the Monk and the Holy Bible, change comes by a renewal of our minds, a transformation from the inside out. What this monk realized too late was that ultimately the only person we can change is ourselves. And when we change, the people around us will change in response to our new behavior.Why are you here on earth? What were you put here to accomplish? If you’re a Christian, you likely embrace a general purpose something like the one summarized in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” But what does that really mean? Without a purpose fueled by passion, nothing in life matters. You can work sixty hours a week, maintain your home and family, and develop dozens of good hobbies and habits. But if you don’t have a purpose for your efforts, you will lack the emotional and spiritual energy to continue, and your success will mean little to you.
