how great a change?

[irishman]

I have been reading much on this board about a changed life with salvation. I too believe that there will be a change according to 2 Cor. 5:17, and maybe a few other verses, but I have two observances to make concerning the changed life: one, The Lord makes the change. Too many of us do the changing ourselves because we know that there must be a change. This "change" becomes a work on our part, and not of the Holy Spirit. What good does this sort of change do for us, really?
observance two: how great is that change? We too often judge a brother by his "fruit", but all fruit is not visible to us. I know that the Bible says we will know them by their fruit, but just what is "fruit"? Some think it is merely soul winning, while others attach other things to it, and expect it from a brother. Some fruit is already canned, and some picked fresh from the tree, but either way, fruit is fruit!

[blossom]

I agree, people who have grown up in christian homes and have the behaviours and words down pat, may not show such a big change but of course there would have to be change. I think in these people you would see it more in there desire to be in the word of God and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. In people who didn't grow up in a Christian home like me, my language changed, where I socialised changed, and of course a desire to read the word of God and be with God's people. My parents sure saw the change and were not happy but you can't undo what the Lord does in you.