When we become followers of Jesus, we receive a spiritual upgrade through the Holy Spirit's power. However, many Christians struggle to experience transformation because they rely on self-made rules and regulations instead of cooperating with God's work. True character change comes from four key practices: focusing on Christ rather than past failures, completely eliminating sin instead of trying to control it, living authentically as a new creation rather than just acting Christian, and making love for others the primary goal in every interaction. Jesus wants to transform us dramatically, not gradually over decades, if we're willing to cooperate with the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.