Obama, A-Rod and Spiritual Transformation

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." President Barack Obama declared, February 5, 2008. After listening to the President's State of the Union message, I believe he is finding political change more difficult to initiate than he ever imagined. However, his words were true: change begins within each of us.

Even public figures known for narcissism and hedonism find a little self-improvement could make a difference in their careers and in their personal lives. Could it be that Alex Rodriguez has let go of the superstitions that most athletes would have you believe decide their fate and instead expressed a hunger to achieve inner peace and self-love through self-help books? Inside A-Rod's dressing stall, writer Harvey Araton noticed some curious displays of self-help reading: "Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World," a book by noted Buddhist scholar Lama Surya Das. But that's not all. Best-selling author Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, also appeared in A-Rod's locker: "Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing." The mantra has apparently struck an emotional chord with A-Rod, with his book "10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace."

And if you try not to believe everything you hear about the ego-ridden enigma that is A-Rod, it may make just as much sense to conclude that his display of reading materials is a sign that at least this Yankee has decided there may be more to being a great athlete than statistics can reveal. He may lack spiritual discernment and direction, but his hunger for change remains. 

So many people promise change. So many that are BIG on promises, but lack the power to deliver…Of course, Jesus Christ, the God-Man who died on a cross and promised us eternal life is our change-agent. His indwelling Holy Spirit is our means for transformation.

Now, the Word of God is powerful (2 Timothy; Hebrew 4; Romans 12; John 6) – there are many other references that emphasize this truth.  A true YOU makeover is the work of God within your life – surrendered to Him and following Him.

A friend said something that has always stuck with me. I’ve seen it play out in my life and others…

Jay Strack said, “You’ll be the same person you are today 10 years from now, except for the places you go, the people you meet & the books you read.”

3 things that promise to bring about change & impact your life.

1) The places you go:  the adventures and opportunities that unfold around you – that you take advantage of are key! Some will be for fun, some adventurous, some stretching and some will challenge you to your core. Are you taking advantage of opportunities - asking God to challenge and shape you through those experiences? What’s one experience recently (last 2 yrs) that has shaped you?

2) The people you meet: those that cross your path are vital for your change! Some people will be mentors that saddle up along side you to encourage, direct and challenge you (if you ask them for it). Some will leave their mark through a friendship, perhaps teaching or maybe they will be a person that offers some specific training that you needed for work or life… So, who has God surrounded you with recently (last 2 yrs) – have you tapped into their relationship and mined out some gold? How have they affected you?

3) The books you read: though we live in a world that throws words around, the written word is still powerful! (see past post on Life-Altering Words)  Books have a way of impacting our soul and our understanding – often challenging us toward change or reinforcing some truths deeper into the bedrock of our character. They open us up to new thoughts and angles of seeing life. What books have you read recently (last yr) that has been impactful? If you had to sum up that truth in a sentence – what would it be?

These 3 things: the places you go, the people you meet and the books you read can play a major role in a new YOU…feel free to post your answers to above questions of an event, a person, a book that has changed you. Praying for God to influence you through all 3 in the year ahead…

Jack Schull with Julie Barrier