Probably all of us would like to think that our life would make a difference in some way. Thinking about all the things we cannot change is both sobering and humbling. Whether it be a father with his son, a pastor with his people, or a discipler with his diciplee, the change that matters is never something that we can do on our own. We can convince someone to make outward changes, but change in the spiritual realm is something that requires the Holy Spirit’s working in the heart. The following lines were intended to be an article on this topic, but just kind of came out differently.

 

The Things I Cannot Change
By Jason Harris

I can change you on the surface,
I can make you look real good,
I can make you follow perfectly the methods that you should.
But there are things I cannot change,
I’ve known this from the start,
I cannot make you follow me in matters of the heart.

I can change your words and actions,
I can change the way you dress,
I can make you act in such a way that others you’ll impress.
But there are things I cannot change,
Your heart for God is one,
And I can’t make you find your joy in living as his son.

In public worship I can change
Your music to what’s right,
But I can’t change the way you spent your Saturday last night.
I can make you read your Bible,
I can make you bow your head,
But I can’t make you think of God while lying on your bed.

I can change you on the surface,
I can make you look real good,
I can make you follow perfectly the methods that you should.
But there are things I cannot change,
I’ve known this from the start,
I cannot make you follow me in matters of the heart.

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About Jason Harris

Dr Jason Harris is a writer, pastor, and academic. He has authored multiple books, articles, and papers including his book Theological Meditations on the Gospel. Jason has a PhD from James Cook University as well as degrees in theology, music, accounting, and research. Jason has lived in Cairns, Australia since 2007 and serves as pastor at CrossPoint Church. You can contact Jason at jason@jasonharris.com.au.

3 Comments

  1. RoSeZ 16 June, 2009 at 8:36 pm - Reply

    Did you really write this? It’s really good. =D

  2. Jason Harris 16 June, 2009 at 11:49 pm - Reply

    It’s a message that is very important to me.

  3. RoSeZ 17 June, 2009 at 9:34 am - Reply

    Yeah, it’s something that has often come up in my life as well. I really like your poem – it’s a reminder that sometimes we just can’t change someone to what we want and at that point we have to leave them with Christ. Thanks for it…
    =)

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