Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim BurtHave you ever heard the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks"? It's often used to suggest that people, like the proverbial old dog, are set in their ways and unlikely to change. While this might hold true for many in the world, the story is different for Christians. Through the transformative power of Christ, even the "old dog" can learn new tricks and an entirely new way of living. God doesn't just teach us to behave differently—He gives us a new nature, creating in us a clean heart and renewing a right spirit within us (Psalm 51:10).In Romans 12:2 (NKJV), God calls us to be “transformed by the renewing of our mind.” In 2 Corinthians 11:15 (NKJV), God's Word says we are to be “transformed into ministers of Christ.” Romans 12:2 also tells us not to be “conformed to this world,” while Romans 8:29 says we are to “be conformed to the image of His Son.” Though many people may remain unchanged, the essence of our new life in Christ is transformation. If we don't change, it reveals that we are not listening, learning, and growing in Him. Our lives are meant to be continually renewed and reshaped.In my life before Christ, I was a cynic. I was always looking for people's real motives and reasons for their actions. The Lord wanted to change this part of me and spoke to my heart about it. During a private time of prayer and worship, I heard the Lord say, "I am going to teach you how to see the best in people, and it will transform your entire life. This will happen as you learn to see others through My eyes. I died for them just as I died for you. They have good in them, though it has been tainted by sin. I know who I created them to be. Can you see the good and beauty in them beneath those layers of sin? I can. Purpose to see them through My eyes, and it will transform your life and help you love them in a greater way." He continued, "People who do not learn of Me through My Word and fail to worship Me never experience the depth of love for Me or others as they should. But those who do learn to look deeper. Do this with Me, and you'll be able to see the best in people. When that happens, you'll sincerely encourage and edify others. If you make this a daily practice, your life will never be the same. Your favor will grow with Me and with man, and your life will be filled with rich relationships." Then the Lord reminded me of His words in John 13:35 (NKJV): "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."These words resonated deeply within me and gave me profound insight. Before long, my cynical nature was completely gone. It was replaced with a deep and sincere love for people, formed in me by God.There are always a few people in life who take the time to see the good in others and express it. They are not just complimenters or people who say something nice—they are true edifiers. They look for and notice the good in others and share it. This is a God-given characteristic! These kinds of people make life so much sweeter.On the other hand, some struggle to notice when someone has done something kind for them. They are so self-absorbed that they fail to acknowledge it and rarely say thank you, much less edify others for the good they see in them. This mindset and behavior often persists because they don’t do the two things that could transform them—they don’t become true worshipers of God, nor learn to see others through His eyes.When I read Revelation 5:13-14, I see a vivid picture of heartfelt worship—not lip service or obligation: "And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They also sang: 'Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.' And the four living beings said, 'Amen!' And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped God and the Lamb."Spend time learning, reflecting on, and worshiping God for His love toward you and all that He has done through Jesus out of that love! Think about His magnificence and the glory of everything He has created. There is no shortage of reasons to praise Him! Consider all the ways He has transformed your life and is still working in you. This practice will give you grace toward others. It will teach you to look deeper, to see the beauty in those around you, and to encourage and edify them.Worship is a sincere expression of love for Almighty God. It changes you! It opens the eyes of your heart to see more of God, to love Him deeply, and to appreciate His work in your life. And it transforms your character. God has always desired for us to be conformed to His image. This transformation begins with becoming a worshiper of God, seeing others through His eyes, and becoming an edifier and encourager of others. These are changes we are called to make as we grow into the image of Christ, and no matter how young or old we are, we can be the dog that God can always teach new tricks! A lifetime of transformation! God can always teach us new ways to live for Him.1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing."In His love,Pastor Tim Burt
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