We’ve all heard the saying, «You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,» often as an explanation for the ongoing, and undesired, actions or behaviors of either ourselves or another person. Typically it in reference to someone being too stubborn to change.
If it is ourselves that we refer to, we tend to focus on the following thoughts:
That’s just the way I am.
It’s too late for me to change.
I’m just like my mother/father/etc.
These thoughts tend to sprout when we have had a negative encounter with someone, either personally or professionally. Perhaps, your significant other expresses that you don’t communicate enough, or your boss informs you that you need to improve in certain areas that have always been your weaker spots. In either scenario, we often blame ourselves, yet fall back on the «that’s just the way I am, I’ll never change» excuse.
Although we may feel that we can’t change, there is hope. Paul the Apostle is the perfect example of a man who thought his identity was set in stone, only to be redeemed under the guidance of Jesus Christ.
You see, Paul was a Roman, and a Pharisee, who persecuted and imprisoned Christians. He was proud of his Roman heritage, a lawyer, well educated, and a religious extremist. His name associated him as an evil man who brought violent acts upon Christians.
In modern times, we know Paul as one of the greatest leaders in Christianity. You may be wondering, how could this be? Paul himself admitted:
«I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.» (Acts 26:9-10 NIV)
It wasn’t until Paul’s encounter with Jesus Christ that he realized the faults in his character. It was then that he became self-aware of his flaws and saw the light and guidance to change his behavior or beliefs.
So you may be thinking, «Well of course Paul changed, he physically saw the light and was chosen to change. I’ll never physically see the light.» The reality is that we are all chosen to change; we just have to accept Jesus Christ into our hearts.
Of course accepting Jesus is not the only step we must take to teach ourselves «new tricks,» so here are some suggestions on how to break I can’t change mindset:
1. Identify what characteristic or habit you want to improve, and why
2. Set a goal and steps to change
3. Pray for guidance from the Lord, and prepare to be tested
4. Find support in a trusting friend or group
5. Practice self-awareness
Stories, such as Paul’s, teach us that redemption, or change, is possible. As long as we make the conscious decision to learn, or unlearn, we can overcome our excuses and stubbornness to set ourselves on a more guided path.
