A Catalyst of Change

A catalyst is typically thought of as an agent used to cause or promote a change in the environment into which it is introduced, a change which otherwise might take longer to achieve – if at all. The term catalyst can be applied to chemicals, processes, events, and even to people, and the reaction a catalyst causes can result in positive or negative consequences. But what does this have to do with Christianity?

Jesus the Catalyst

Jesus Himself is a catalyst of change, beginning with the individual who places their faith in all He has accomplished on the cross. In fact, the change He brings is revolutionary!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (NKJV )

When someone is born again an immediate change is noticed because they no longer want to do the sinful things they used to do. Instead, they seek to please the Lord and they move from simply being a believer to being a disciple. That discipleship is what allows Christ to continue to work in them, effecting the change that He began.

The Evidence of Change

Many people claim to believe in Jesus and yet there is no outward sign that is the case. They live their lives for years (and sometimes decades) without any noticeable difference in their thoughts or actions. You can probably think of people just like that. However, while it’s true that we can’t know what’s in a person’s heart, we ought to see the results of a changed heart by how someone continuously acts.  It’s obvious whether Jesus has become a catalyst of change in an individual.

Not only do born again disciples act differently, they begin to have an effect on others. Disciples sometimes stumble in their spiritual walk, but they keep getting back on track and resume following Christ. They develop discipline by allowing the life of Jesus to remain as a catalyst of change, and that life is so powerful, so consuming, that it overflows their own life and impacts those around them. Jesus begins as a catalyst of change within the individual, but it doesn’t stop there!

A Chain Reaction

Acts 17:6

But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.”  (NKJV)

There is a profound difference between someone who merely claims to believe in Christ and someone who is a disciple of Christ. In fact, the catalyst of change within them was so profound that those in the early church were described as “These who have turned the world upside down.” By living as disciples of the Lord they changed the known world! And, believe it or not, that is exactly what the world is looking for. While they may not acknowledge it, they are looking for the change that only the life of Jesus can bring. The craziness we see happening all around us is a direct reflection of how we, as the people of God, allow the power of Christ to flow in us, and through us.

Has Jesus become a catalyst of change within you? If He has, will you allow Him to be a catalyst of change through you?