At the heart of the Gospel is the undeniable and unrelenting reality that every soul who is saved will be transformed. This is not optional. It cannot be escaped nor can it be stopped. Now, there are some who would like to think that it can be avoided, but they are only fooling themselves. God will not be defeated in his goal of redemption.
It can be rather startling to think that we all are in need of transformation. The problem for many of us is that we do not see and understand the invasive nature of sin. Sin corrupts completely. It leaves no aspect of our being untouched. It reaches into every crevice of the human soul. That is why anytime we think that there is only a little remodeling required in our lives we do not approach God as we should. We come to God looking for a bargain on an upgrade.
Transformation is the solution God has decided fits the problem of sin. We need a new mind because the old one does not think the thoughts of God. We need a new heart because the old one is cold and petrified by the effect of sin. We need a new body because this old one is drawn to everything God has called us to avoid. Everything about us, without Jesus, works against the purposes and will of God. This is why we need to be transformed. Not from an older version of ourselves to a new one. We need to be transformed from what we are to what Jesus is—perfect, pure, and imperishable.
During the season of Lent, we are called to consider what in us needs to be transformed. And while the answer is “everything,” God is patient and leads us kindly through each of the stages of transformation. And so, during this season, what is God bringing up to your attention that he wants to replace? Don’t run from it. Embrace it as the next step in this process of transformation you entered into when the Spirit of God entered into you!
Add Comment