There’s a common misconception that following Jesus means giving up the “fun stuff” in life and embracing a bunch of rules. But this could not be further from the truth. When we’re filled with God, our hearts are burdened by the same things that burden His heart, and our hearts rejoice when God’s heart rejoices. This means our desires actually change. Our heart undergoes a transformation from the inside out when Jesus Christ comes to indwell us.

For example, there’s a grown man named Bryan who would date some woman for a week or two, break up with her, then head to the bars to find someone new. This was Bryan’s idea of a good time. But one day, God got ahold of Bryan’s heart and, in time, Bryan actually changed. The idea of leading women on, using them, and dating multiple women, was no longer appealing. Bryan’s former lifestyle no longer sounded “fun”. His heart changed when he let God in.

And the same goes for us. As we choose to walk with God, our desires change. Following God does not feel like you’re following a bunch of “rules”. Rather, it feels like walking beside someone who loves us supremely and wants us to enjoy life and therefore makes us holy.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.” Have you had that experience?     

This is Luis Palau.