Can a Leopard Change it's Spots?
By Timothy Glover
Ancient Israel, according to Jeremiah, had sinned so much and so long that it had become ingrained in their lifestyle. He writes, "Can an Ethiopian change his skin, or a leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do evil" (Jer. 13:23). The practice of sin can become so habitual that it becomes exceeding difficult to change the pattern. It would be easier for a leopard to change his spots. This reminds us of Peter referring to the false prophets who could not "cease from sin" (1 Peter 2:14). Peter does not mean that it was impossible for them to quit sinning but that it had become part of their "nature"(Eph. 2:12).
The word "nature" (phusei) refers to their habitual manner of life; the practice of sin. Calvinist misunderstands the term to mean our natural state at birth; that is, that we inherit Adams sinful nature. When Paul uses the same phrase in 1 Corinthians 11:14, "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?") he refers to what had become socially acceptable by long practice. Their manner of living with respect to the length of hair was like others in the world around them. We are by nature what we have shaped our character to become through habitual patterns of thought and action. Unfortunately, far too many refer to these patterns as "personal weakness" when in fact they are sins and do not conform to the example of Christ.
These "weakness" define who we are because we have allowed them to remain
unchecked and not put forth the diligent effort it takes to perfect ourselves; conforming ourselves to the image of Christ. We must not view these "character weaknesses" lightly by defending who we have become. We often hear someone defend themselves saying, "That's just the way I am" or "I've been doing that for 40 years and I don't expect to change now." Some add the old cliche, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."
Of course, I don't hear them say that when referring to the sin of adultery or stealing. Yet, how often have you heard someone explain that they have always had a bad temper and then laugh about it, excusing it as a family trait? Others are habitual gossips or a "meddler in other men's matters" and it seems as though they can not quit because they keep doing it. When a person lives to gossip or has habitually meddled, it is difficult to change and learn to stay out of matters that do not concern them.
Can a leopard change his spots; a selfish person forget self and serve others; a stingy person learn to be giving; a chronic complainer see the good in others and situations of life; a caustic person learn to let his speech be seasoned with salt and say only those things that will edify? Or, are these doomed to continue in the same wrong pattern of living? When a habit has become such a part of us, it is hard to change but not impossible. How do we change?
First, "be renewed in the spirit of your mind." This is referring to an inward reformation (see Rom 12:2). The mind is where I think, judge and determine. He's not talking about the mind, itself. Rather, he speaks of the "spirit" of your mind. The Christian changes direction by taking a disposition of mind toward the things of God and spiritual pursuits. In other words, we must determine who we are going to serve. One must answer these questions: Will I accept the new way of living prescribed by the New Testament? Am I willing to forsake worldly friends and immoral media that corrupts the way I think? This addresses the determination of one who wants to please God. Before we will ever change, we must have a determined will to "put to death the old man... and put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Eph. 4:22,24).
Second, we must see the need to change by asking, "Did I so learn Christ "(Eph. 4:20). After seeing myself as I am and concluding that I am not Christ-like, begin a conscious effort to become who I presently am not. This is not being hypocritical if the desire to change is present. Don't defend who you are or view your life as a hopeless case.
Third, consciously replace the wrong with righteousness and true holiness. For example, if you practiced lying, begin each day with prayer and focus on your resolve to speak truth so that each day you consciously force truth-telling to come out of your mouth. (Eph. 4:25). Read Eph. 4:25-32, 5:4, 11 and notice that each wrong is replaced by that which is righteous. This requires a great deal of prayer and discipline. When gossips catch themselves and say, "I shouldn't say anything" may they never add, "but.... "and continue to tell it. In time, we have replaced the old habitual man with a new habitual lifestyle.
Meanwhile, keep adding to your faith virtue, and virtue knowledge..... and don't let ungodly habits get such a hold on us that we find ourselves trying to overcome it.
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