I Have Been Tampered With. You?

Have you ever noticed how everything you buy these days has a foil or semi-plastic seal on it? Over-the-counter medications, milk, orange juice, etc. The idea is if any of these items were opened, you would noticed it right away. Something about it has been changed. Permanently. Irrepairably. Tampered with. Never again the same.

It makes me think about this verse.

Christ, through the work of the Spirit, tampers with you as you walk with Him.

My question is this: could anybody tell that I've been tampered
with?

Can I see significant changes in my character over the years? I have seen some (more patient, less prone to swearing, quicker to confess sin, etc.) but, to be honest, in some areas it seems not so much (will purity always be a struggle?).

What about you? Where has God tampered with you the most? What is He tampering with right now in your life?

Quotes.2

Here's one from perhaps one of the smartest man in the 20th century.

Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value. - Albert Einstein

For me, not to seem like Debbie Downer, but the modern Church seems more bent on success than values. How can I say that? For instance:

• The divorce rate amongst conservative Christians are higher than those outside the Church.
• 37% of born-again Christians believe if a person is good enough they can earn their way into Heaven.
• 26% of born-agains believe "that while Jesus lived on the earth He committed sins, like other people" compared to 41% of all adults.
• Nearly all born-again Christians say their religious faith is extrememly important to them, however only 9% of all born-agains tithe 10% of their income.

From these examples, it's easy to see why the world looks elsewhere besides Christ. From observing Christians, they see we don't value marraige, God's Word (i.e., Eph. 2:8-9), Christ's character, and Christians certainly don't put their money where their mouth is. Why? Because we are more interested in numbers, programs, buildings, etc....all the things that don't last. Instead, we should be focusing on the character of the Church, and instilling Christ-centered values in those who attend weekly.

What are your thoughts?