Willpower is never enough

by Sunday Ready
on January 12, 2026
in stat, quote, story

January preaching is often centered around change, and rightfully so. We all have so many things we want to change.

It makes me think of the story of Jacob in Genesis. You know the story: he was a “deceiver” with a long trail of ways his natural instincts derailed his life.

And then God did something profound—he changed his name.

For many of the people in your congregation, they have been known by a certain name, or habit, or mistake, or personality trait their entire life.

To change, would require a whole new identity, but that’s exactly what the Gospel does.

To lose weight when your family has always been overweight… to fight an addiction that feels woven into your DNA… to break free from anger, insecurity, people-pleasing, or shame when it’s all you’ve ever known…

These aren’t just behavior problems. They’re identity problems.

Here’s the point: as you preach about change this month, don’t just talk about habits and choices. Talk about identity.

When we get saved we are a new “creature” who belongs in a new “family of God.” You don’t have to be who you’ve always been.

It’s not easy and it’s not instant, but it’s God’s will for your life.

Today I’m giving you 1 stat, 1 quote, and 1 story to help you preach on change in terms of identity.

Stat

According to the Rogers adoption curve used in business and technology, only 2.5% of people are innovators, and only 13.5% are early adopters.

That means 84% of us do things, or like things, after we believe it’s what we’re supposed to do.

Takeaway: Most of our choices are influenced by the people around us. Change the people around you and you’ll change your life.

Source: https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Diffusion-of-innovations-theory-Definition-and-examples

Quote

“Christ came not to make people nice but to make them new.” – C.S. Lewis

Source: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Story

John Newton lived in the 1700s. He was not a good man—he was a slave trader.

He captained ships that kidnapped men, women, and children from Africa and sold them like property.

But one night in 1748, a violent storm hit his ship in the North Atlantic. The vessel was breaking apart, and Newton knew he was minutes from drowning. In that moment—after years of mocking God, cursing God, and running from God—he cried out:

“Lord, have mercy on us.” And God heard him.

The ship survived, and Newton survived, but his life was never the same.

He walked away from the slave trade, surrendered his life to Christ, became a pastor, and eventually became a key voice in the movement to end slavery in England.

24 years later, after his conversion, John Newton wrote the most sung hymn in history:

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”

Near the end of his life, when his memory was fading, Newton said: “I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior.”

Takeaway: Yes, most change happens gradually, but God can still do dramatic, miraculous turnaround stories, and your life can completely change.

Source: John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken

Interesting Links

Identity-Based Habits by James Clear
This article is an excerpt from the now classic book, Atomic Habits, by James Clear. His book has sold over 15 million copies since 2018 for a reason. Clear explains how to eliminate bad habits and create good ones.

Who Before Do (Video)
This is a sermon by Craig Groeschel at Life Church. It’s all about identity based change for Christians.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Get Ahead in Your Preaching Planning
As you start 2026, I want to make sure you know you can download a free preaching calendar to get ahead in your sermon planning. I also wrote a step-by-step guide to help you create a plan to get ahead.

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