Is it too late for me to change?

Tribune Content Agency on May 28, 2018

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My brothers and sisters have always been religious (like our parents were), but I've been the exception -- the rebellious "black sheep" of the family. But I'm older now, and I'm beginning to realize I need to change. But is it too late? I'm not sure I even can. -- Z.K.

A: No, it's not too late for you to change -- or to be more accurate, it's not too late for God to change you! Down inside you know you're weak and can't change yourself -- but God can change you, and He will as you open your life to Jesus Christ.

And I sincerely hope you will, because if you don't, you have no real hope for the future -- either for this life or the life to come. You may deceive yourself into thinking you'll always be able to find happiness by living the way you have, and for a time it may seem true.

Eventually, however, this will catch up with you, and you'll realize just how empty and unstable your life has been. In fact, you already may have sensed this. The Bible rightly speaks of "the fleeting pleasures of sin" (Hebrews 11:25). Jesus also warned, "I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin" (John 8:34).

But listen: God still loves you! In spite of your rebellion, God has never stopped loving you, and He wants to come into your life and change you -- beginning today. What must you do? The first step is to repent of your sins, and ask God to forgive you and cleanse you. Then by faith open your heart and life to Jesus Christ, who gave His life for you. Don't let anything -- pride, fear of failure, concern for what others may say, or anything else -- keep you from Christ.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)