Transformation
There are many things that happen to Christians that are invisible to the world. Transformation is one of those things. When a Christian “plugs in” to Jesus on a regular basis, they begin to take on the characteristics of Christ, becoming righteous.
I recently attended a national meeting for CWJC/CMJC in Alabama. Claudia Johnson spoke about spiritual transformation. A great illustration she used to get the concept across was the use of an electrical transformer. When people travel overseas they must carry with them a transformer. The electrical devices they take with them will not work properly if they don’t plug them into the transformer, then plug the transformer into the electrical outlet. This is because the United States has set up our electrical currents differently than most of the world. If we want our appliances to work as they were intended to work, we have to use a transformer. That seemingly magic box transforms the energy into useful, good work. Our phones, computers, hair dryers, flat irons, etc… do their job well even when on foreign soil, when we take this necessary step.
As Christians we have to take the necessary steps of plugging into our transformer-Jesus Christ- if we intend to be useful and do good work. It’s also necessary to do this to be able to understand the will of God.
Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This invisible transformation is spoken of in scripture in both the old testament and the new testament. Jeremiah, a prophet from the old testament, tells of the new covenant to come, which Jesus Christ fulfills.
“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the LORD . “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (NLT)
One verse that shows us what spiritual transformation is all about is Ephesians 4: 22-24.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
There are many verses relating the same message about transformation. So, how exactly do we plug into our transformer-Jesus? It sounds great, but what does it really mean?
I “plug in” to Jesus when I get myself right with him by confessing my sin and turning from them. Then I spend time reading the Bible and thinking about the meaning of the words I read. I memorize verses that stand out to me and meditate on them. I write down things I am grateful for in my Grateful Journal each day. Then I pray for my friends, family, and my ministries. I participate in Bible Studies with other believers. I also attend worship services where we sing praises to God and listen to men of God preach from the Bible. When I do these things on a regular basis I begin to look more like Jesus in my speech and actions. That is my transformation.
Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples underwent a transformation as he spent time with Jesus. He was renamed by Jesus. He had been known as Simon, which means pebble. His new name meant rock. What a transformation! Matthew 16:18 “I tell you that you are Peter, and it is on this rock that I will build my congregation, and the powers of hell will not conquer it.” (NIV)
Now Peter wasn’t perfect. Later we see him deny Christ right before the crucifixion. Jesus forgave him, reconciling Peter to himself. Peter went on to spread the good news of Christ to the gentile world after Jesus’ resurrection.
You may
find yourself in a place like Peter, where you have denied Christ in your life-- maybe you have been refusing to repent of your sin, maybe you haven’t wanted to deny yourself of your lazy Sundays, or maybe you are harboring unforgiveness in your heart. Whatever you are doing that is separating you from God—stop. Come to Jesus and spend time in prayer getting yourself forgiven. Then do what you need to do to “plug in” to him. He will transform you. The invisible working of the Holy Spirit will take place inside you, making you right with him. And you will know God’s will.
2 Corinthians 3:18, "But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him." (TLB)
