Watching the nightly news or reading the headlines in today’s newspaper one would be inclined to say a resounding NO. The truth is yes it can, but we must have help. Left to our own devices, changing our nature or perhaps more accurately growing beyond it, is problematic. Think of the smoker who decides to quit, yet keeps a pack of cigarettes handy just in case the craving becomes too great or the alcoholic who swears off but continues to frequent their favorite watering hole because that is where their “friends” are. Now I am sure someone has quit smoking or drinking in this manner, but it is clear that this path is fraught with impediments to success and more smoking and drinking is usually the outcome. Why do something hard like riding out nicotine cravings when relief is a match away, and bars are pretty dreary places sober, especially when all your “friends” are having a “good” time.
No person or circumstance can force anyone to permanently change from without. The desire to change must come from within, and it must be desired with fervor. So many desire change, yet sabotage themselves guaranteeing failure almost before they begin. We must be willing to go to any lengths for victory, embrace a new way of living, if we truly wish to change, to grow towards better things. Living on the Spiritual Basis, practicing a new set values and principles learned through the crucible of self-imposed pain, we have been set free, free of the bondage of self, our essential nature changed. How willing are you?
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