It’s unfortunate when words, phrases, and even common scriptures get tossed around so frequently that their meanings become diluted and flat. I love reading scriptures in the Bible over and over again as if it were my first time, because as the living word, God speaks through new revelations to us when our hearts are open.
Two phrases that are common in my writing and communication are “changing the world” and “transformation”. The implications of these words describe vague concepts that we do not always meditate on to fully wrap our minds around. God has defined and redefined these words in my own life and I sense that we all have a great opportunity to grasp and accomplish the concepts that these words entail.
Transformation indicates that you are different than the person you once were. God has redeemed you from your past, but your past was yesterday just as much as it was 10 years ago. When we are in communication and relationship with God, he is continually transforming us each day as we in turn continue to stumble and grow. If you are not constantly going through a process of transformation, how can God use you as an empty vessel? We serve a God of order, a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but he is constantly working through our imperfections, growing, strengthening, and changing us.
Romans 12:12 Do not conform to the patterns of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Transformation takes on many forms. It could mean that you think twice before losing your patience with a stranger, that you become free from an addictive habit, or your heart changes toward an opportunity to serve God.
When we recognize transformation in our lives and in the lives of others, the world around us begins to change. Priorities change, perspectives change, attitudes and hearts change. Jesus showed us that the Christian walk is so simple. To go against the grain of the world is to respond to one another in love, to turn the other cheek. Do you ever consider how small your life really is within the context of the universe? I always think about this when I am walking through an airport in another country, or when I am flying over a big city. What a small link in the chain we are as individuals, but God still wants to use each of us in mighty ways. God uses the bodyof Christ to ignite movements. The world experiences the most genuine and significant change through undeserving acts of love. Changing the world does not require large scale organizations and positions of power, but a transformed mind that receives and obeys the direction of the Father.
Thanks. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about this a lot the past couple of weeks. The insignificance of my life and yet the eternal significance of the glory of the Lord as revealed on a daily basis in my insignificant little life.
When I think about it, it's the perfect juxtaposition to remind us how big is the Lord we serve...even in the small places.
Beautifully said. Thanks for sharing, friend. <3