Mindset

     I am reading a great book called Mindset by Carol Dweck.  The book addresses having a growth mindset (believing we can grow and change) versus having a fixed mindset (believing we are only so smart, talented, etc. and can't change that).  I highly recommend it.
     One thing that I was really convicted about, though, is how much I have a fixed mindset.  I really feel judged by people and I often throw in the towel when things get hard because I feel like I just can't do it.  But that isn't what God has told us:

•   "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)  If we are new, that means He has changed us, we have grown and continue to grow in Him.  
• "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind," (Romans 12:2a)  If we are being transformed by Him, by renewing our minds in Him, doesn't that imply we are growing and changing in ways only He can see?
• "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)  If we are to "work out our salvation" doesn't that mean that change is hard and we have to continually work to surrender more and more of ourselves to Christ?  No, our work will not save us, His already did, but the changes - the freedom, the faith, being able to hear that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit guiding us - those changes don't just happen while we passively sit by or because we were "preprogramed" with a certain amount of intelligence, talent, or goodness.  
• "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 1:6)  So, we are a work in progress, constantly changing.

     We can change.  We have to believe it to be free, to let Him work in our lives.  We have to believe it enough that we work at it.  Sometimes, that means knuckling under and studying until we get that new math concept.  Sometimes, it means biting our lip until we learn not to say the first thing that comes to mind.  Sometimes, it means just being still and patient while God works His wonders.  But if we don't believe we can change?  Then we don't wait.  We destroy relationships.  We give up when things are hard.  I don't want to be that person anymore.
     We, as Christians, should be the most growth minded people on the planet.