Most people talk about wanting to see change in their lives, but that’s about as far as it goes. We stay stuck, or even worse, addicted, in areas of our lives. However, we don’t need to feel helpless, or hopeless. Your life CAN change for the better, and Psalm 92: 12-13 shares the good news that God WANTS TO HELP YOU flourish, grow and change. The CLC “Unstuck” sermon this past Sunday dealt with three important initial steps for our lives to change for the better.

STEP #1:  It’s not enough to just HEAR about your need for change, or TALK about how you want to change…you must ACT on it. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:24: “Whoever hears these words of mine and ACTS on them, may be compared to a wise man…” For other verses that “call us out” to get into action, read James 1: 22 or 1 Corinthians 4: 20.

STEP #2: If you’re going to ACT on your need to change, you must know WHERE you’re stuck in the first place. The “Un-stuck” book provides a quick “Un-stuck inventory” on pages 16-18 with a brief description of each area. We asked detailed questions in the following areas, “From failing to flourishing, how would you rate yourself?”

• Spiritual
• Mental
• Emotional
• Physical
• Financial
• Career
• Relational

STEP #3: As you begin your journey, take BABY STEPS. Too often we overwhelm our good intentions to change with goals that are so big, we feel defeated as soon as we begin (e.g. “I’m going to lose five pounds a week!”). The following list contains examples of “baby steps” applied to the physical fitness scenario:

• “I will get 20 minutes of exercise four times a week”
• “I will stop eating second helpings”
• “I will not eat after 7:00 pm”

As you consider areas to “grow out of,” think in small “baby steps.” What would be some healthy steps in an “un-stuck” direction? What unhealthy things could you do less, and what healthy things could you do more?

Still not convinced that small steps add up? Did you know that if you begin to save just ONE DOLLAR A DAY when you’re 20, and do so until age 65, your savings (at a conservative rate of return) will total OVER $100,000? WOW!

So let’s get started. Commit to DO, not just talk about change. Be honest with yourself on WHERE you need to get unstuck. Begin with BABY STEPS of progress; and if you REALLY want to improve your chances of success, tell somebody about your aspirations. Ask them if they will be your encouragement partner, update them every week, and enjoy the change!

Get a copy of the “Un-Stuck” book to learn more (it’s an accompaniment to the CLC “Un-Stuck” sermon series).