What is the evidence of a changed heart? What actions act as solid proof that someone has been moved to the point of transformation? Is there a documented list of those things to look for in a man or woman to determine that some emotional impact or cognitive figuring have produced the impetus for a true adjusted set of behavior or character modification?

Is it optimism or lack of depression and seemingly perpetual sadness to reveal a prevalence of laughter, self-esteem and general happy outlook of the world? Is it a retreat from discussion revealing a desire to change the scope and length of unwanted or ineffective conversation? Or is the evidence the desire to emulate model behaviors?

Where does a man find his reward? In what category of social expectation or profile does he hold things dear regarding the accumulated improvements to character, outlook and social credit? Is there some measure of a society’s greatness that comes from a good character as Alexis De Tocqueville claimed about America in the 1830’s? Is it that simple that we must be aligned with the goodness of God to be seen and perceived changed, healthy and righteous?

This is not simple religious discussion, but the true conversation of men who want to walk right in this world and have every opportunity to be found in the one that follows. As Americans we have looked upon faith as a meek undertaking, when to those who study our history we find that our faith is what made U.S. overcomer’s, those somehow capable of achieving or receiving miracles precisely when needed.

If and when necessary I will be that burr beneath your saddle. For in the history of this once Great Nation everything good happened through the active, healthy and participative pursuit of God by our people. And conversely everything bad occurred as departure to our own vain thinking believing ourselves the origin of righteous change and not the Love and protection of our God.

The elements that prove change are simple, but they require a belief upon the Lord Jesus Christ and the intervention of God’s Holy Spirit. The proof of a man’s transformation may only be found in his Imago Dei, or likeness to God. Therefore the evidence of my real change is not emotive or qualitative as with perception, not found in self-actualization but in the presence of the Fruits of God’s Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.

Until I have exhibited these fruits as evidence of my connection to God then all my other efforts at self mastery are works not gifts. So, my proof is what God shows you He has done in my life, not my own list of my better qualities or the achievements of self. This is freeing, for it is no longer what I say that I am that matters but the fruit each of you see God producing in me.

Therefore, I take as small council the things that I believe deficient within except as I confess to Almighty. For the changes that are based upon objective Truth are the transforming aspects of my character and behavior that reflect His presence and action upon my heart and mind. If you want change then walk with me, remind me, pray for me to begin to look like Jesus for all else are the works of our own vain and hopeless appeals of fleshly authority.