Transformation

Very often over the last few weeks, the Lord has brought the concept of transformation to my attention. Transformation is defined as “a change from one form to another.”  From my understanding of scripture, I believe that those who profess Christ as their Savior and Lord will have the transforming power of God evident in their lives. Becoming a Christian is not about saying a little prayer and “turning over a new leaf.” When an individual accepts Christ, he/she is totally changed to the point that life becomes completely different than it was before salvation. There is a marked difference in the before and after “picture.” Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new (2 Cor. 5:17). 

Asking Christ into your life involves repentance. The word repentance in the Bible describes a change of mind and heart so powerful that it changes one’s way of life. It is a turning away from evil and a turning to God and righteousness. If a person asks Christ into their heart and truly repents, his/her life will be totally changed as the new child of God takes a completely different direction. There will be changes in desires, habits, attitudes, manner of talking, activities, priorities, and associations. I would be concerned if after accepting Christ, I did not have a change of heart evidenced outwardly in these areas of my life. I am in no way saying that when we become Christians, we are immediately made perfect. We are still human and live in a fallen world, and are subject to errors and sins. However, our lives as Christians should reflect the fact that we have invited a holy God to live inside of us.

A beautiful example of transformation that can be examined in the natural world is the change of a caterpillar into a butterfly. A caterpillar is a worm-like creature that is earth bound. After its metamorphosis, it becomes a butterfly—a beautiful winged creature that flies in the air. Can you imagine the difference in the life and perspective of a butterfly compared to the caterpillar that it once was?

It is also important to note that our transformation does not stop at salvation. It is a continual process. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom. 12:2).  As we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, our minds are renewed through the power of the Holy Spirit, our thinking becomes different, and we find ourselves changing in ways we never dreamed possible. God’s desire is for us to be changed into the image of His Son. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor. 3:18).

My prayer is:  Lord, continue Your transforming work in my life. I want to be more like Jesus!