Have you ever heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? It’s often used to suggest that people are set in their ways and unlikely to change. While that may be true in the world, it is not true for those who belong to Christ.
For Christians, transformation is not only possible—it is expected. God doesn’t merely teach us to behave better; He gives us a brand-new nature. He creates in us a clean heart and renews a right spirit within us.
Psalm 51:10 (NKJV) “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes transformation as a defining mark of life in Christ.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Romans 8:29 (NKJV) “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…”
While many people remain unchanged, the essence of our new life in Christ is ongoing transformation. If there is no change, it often reveals that we are not listening, learning, or growing in Him. God intends our lives to be continually renewed and reshaped.
Before Christ transformed my life, I was a cynic. I was constantly suspicious of people’s motives and questioned the reasons behind their actions. The Lord began to deal with my heart about this during a time of prayer and worship. I sensed Him speaking clearly to me.
He said, “I am going to teach you how to see the best in people, and it will transform your entire life. Learn to see others through My eyes. I died for them just as I died for you. I know who I created them to be. Can you see the good beneath the layers of sin? I can. Purpose to see people through My eyes, and it will help you love them in a greater way.”
Then He reminded me of His Word:
John 13:35 (NKJV) “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Those words marked a turning point in my life. Over time, my cynical nature disappeared. In its place, God formed a sincere and growing love for people—one that came from seeing them through His eyes.
There are people in this world who naturally look for the good in others and speak it out. They aren’t superficial complimenters; they are true edifiers. They notice what is good and encourage it. This is a God-given quality, and it makes life richer for everyone around them.
Sadly, others struggle to notice kindness at all. They rarely say thank you, rarely encourage, and rarely see beyond themselves. Often, this remains unchanged because they neglect two transforming practices: sincere worship of God and learning to see people through His eyes.
Scripture gives us a powerful picture of true worship:
Revelation 5:13–14 (NKJV) “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
Worship is not obligation or routine—it is love expressed toward God. When we spend time learning about Him, reflecting on His goodness, and worshiping Him for what He has done through Jesus, something changes inside us. Worship softens our hearts, expands our compassion, and gives us grace toward others.
Worship opens the eyes of our heart. It teaches us to look deeper, to see beauty where we once saw flaws, and to encourage where we once criticized. It transforms character.
God has always desired that we be conformed to His image. That transformation begins with worship, continues through renewing our minds, and is revealed by how we love and edify others.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV) “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”
No matter how young or old we are, God can always teach us new ways to live for Him. In Christ, the “old dog” can always learn new tricks—because transformation is a lifelong work of grace.
