A frequently asked question by honest people is: “How can I be a better person?” Often, the answer they are looking for is different than what they need.

The real problem with this house is not the fallen tree. Sometimes, we struggle with one major thing in our lives. We think – if only I could get rid of this problem, I would be a better person. Really?

Yes, if that one thing is outbursts of anger or a brutal addiction to pornography or a life-long struggle with illegal or prescription drugs or binge drinking – for our own good and for the good of those we love, we need professional help. Some have out-of-control spending habits, and their lives are strangled by debt. Some are compulsive liars and have been abandoned by their friends. The list of struggles seems endless.

Dealing with the problem of the fallen tree would do only that – take the weight off the roof. But it certainly is not the panacea.

Most, if not all, people have a dominant struggle. But too often, the remedial strategy is focused only on that one issue. We have a far greater, deep-seated, fundamental problem affecting the very foundation of our lives.

Some reading this are crushed by the weight of their struggle; they despair of ever being unshackled from their bondage. Perhaps you ‘have your act together’ and you feel sorry for these people. You cannot relate to the lonely darkness and pain in their lives. Does that mean you are struggle-free and have no secrets in your life? Does your family know all about you? Everything?

Let’s be honest – we all have a dark energy in our lives. Some are better at keeping a lid on their struggles than others – but everyone, at their core, has the same seeds of trouble.

The reality is we all need a new life within. Just like the decrepit house in the picture above – until you have a new life and a new foundation for your life – corrective interventions in one area of your life are really just band-aid solutions to address the obvious. To use the example of a serious medical condition – skin-tone makeup may mask a yellow face, but it does nothing for the liver cancer deep within.

A much bigger worry than the obviously flawed behaviours in one’s life is the underlying issue causing the impulses, desires and behaviours. You could address your behavioural issues and keep your job, keep your family, keep your friends, but if you never go deeper, you will lose your soul.

The Bible teaches that every single person is flawed and broken by sin. Romans 3:23 The Bible speaks of sin as bondage. John 8:34, Proverbs 5:22

Jesus told one of the most religious leaders of his day that the entire premise of his religious life was totally deficient and could never bring him to God. No, he didn’t have a fallen tree on his roof – nor were his window sills crooked. His house appeared to be in tip-top shape. But the stark reality was – Nicodemus had the same crippling deficiency we all have. He required the same new life that everyone else requires. Jesus told him very clearly –

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  John 3:3.

Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’  John 3:7

No one needs merely a touch-up or even a make-over. We need more than the removal of a tree or a fresh coat of paint on our house.  Every single person needs a new life and a new power within. That’s exactly what Christ offers you.

Even if sin hasn’t crippled you in your life pursuits the way it has others – in the sight of God, you are no more fit for His Presence than the others. In His sight, using the above house as a metaphor, your heart looks no different.  You need to be freed from the bondage of your sin.

So if the Son [Jesus] sets you free, you will be free indeed.  John 8:36

The Bible clearly teaches you can have a new life. If you turn from your sin in repentance and, by faith, embrace God’s Son as your Saviour – you will be freed from the bondage of your sin. Jesus calls this the “new birth” – born into the family of God.

This new life for you is only available through Christ – in Christ. The new life is not found in a program or in church or religion. Christ alone.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  2Corinthians 5:17

Jesus Christ laid down His perfect, sinless life on the Cross – so you could have a new life in Christ. Does that touch your heart?

The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1John 1:7

If your life needs to be transformed, you may find it helpful to read some of the stories of Changed Lives on this website. Real people in just as much need as you. Don’t settle for just being a better and nicer person. Settle for nothing less than God’s wonderful salvation through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Be saved for this life and for eternity. If you have ten minutes, click here to watch a video explaining how this wonderful gift of a new life and inner peace can be yours today – free-of-charge.

A genuine Christian gives a unique one-word answer to this question: What is the foundation of your life? Right Answer: Christ.

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