Changing Forward

Well known bishop and church leader Paul S. Morton Sr. draws on the Old Testament story of the Israelite’s exodus from Egypt and time honored spiritual principles and truths to explore how God’s power and presence can bring about much-needed spiritual change. First, spiritual change does not come easily and is often preceded by conflict, as well as strife as believers strive to recognize their own internal struggle. Morton argues that “ground zero” for any spiritual change first happens within. Second, spiritual change must happen at wider level. It requires the members of the community as a whole to shift their thinking, restructure the desires of their hearts, and restore their souls to the point of being one with God. Third, once the community experiences spiritual change, the gate is open for the final step—spiritual growth. This essential step not only results in enriched, progressive intimacy with God, but it also has a lingering effect that fosters and begins the cycle anew in others who desire that same intimacy. In essence, spiritual change eventually becomes a spiritual trait that gets handed down to future generations.