Let's be honest — we all change as the years pass, and some of the changes are not for the better! Physically speaking, few in their fifties to sixties have improved physically from what they were like when they were in their twenties or thirties.

If we are going to grow, we must change.

However, the more important consideration is how we are changing spiritually. As Paul wrote to Christians in Ephesus, he talked about putting off the old person with its sinful actions and attitudes, and putting on the new person, re-created with Christ-like qualities (Ephesians 4:17-32 NRS). This is not a once-in-a-lifetime activity. No, transformation to be like Christ is an ongoing process.

If we are going to grow, we must change. And what is the goal?

... so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Surprised By Hope: Rethinking Heaven, The Resurrection, and The Mission of the Church by N. T. Wright Wright convincingly argues that what we believe about life after death directly affects what we believe about life before death.

Alan Smith ministers with the Church of Christ in White House, Tennessee and publishes the email devotional "Thought for the Day."

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