16 July | Teens
«Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.» Jeremiah 13:23
Have you ever visited a zoo and seen a leopard? This is my son's favorite animal! In Jeremiah 13:23, we find a very interesting question that has to do with this animal: “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.” On our own, it's virtually impossible for us to change our habits, temperaments, or ways of being, especially when we're used to doing things that aren't good. Paul, a great leader of the early church, spoke about struggling with his own weaknesses, showing that even the most dedicated people can feel challenged.
But the real message here is not that we are forever stuck in our mistakes and “blemishes.” Rather, it is an invitation to seek God's help and strength to make these changes. And that's the good news: we're not alone on this journey. Real change begins when we invite God into our lives. He gives us strength, wisdom and, most importantly, His grace to transform us from the inside out. With God, what seems impossible becomes possible.
I myself realize that without maintaining a daily connection with God through reading the Bible, my life begins to stray from the path. It is this constant connection with God that shapes us, comforts us and guides us to be better. Just as we can't expect a leopard to change its spots on its own, we can't expect to change our lives without God's help.
Take Action
Choose one small thing you would like to change in your life. It could be something like being more willing to read the Bible, going to church not just because your parents are going or just to see friends, or maybe spending more time in prayer. Ask God to help you make this change, and see how, with His help, you can transform your life, one day at a time.