12/16/2023
When we accept Jesus as Lord are we open to a complete life altering change in who we are, or simply asking Him to alter us in a few handpicked ways? Do we want to become like Jesus and be transformed into His perfect image by becoming a better and more righteous person, or do we simply want to pick and choose those attributes He exhibits that we believe will serve us well in our existing lives? Let’s ask ourselves questions like this… Do I want to be a slightly kinder person, or do I want to be kind as Jesus is kind? Do I want to be more humble, or do I want to be perfectly humble as Jesus is? God wants us to be transformed, but to what degree are we willing to accept the transformation? Will we conform to a complete mental, behavioral, and spiritual change and in so doing obey God’s will for us in its entirety?
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 ESV
We aren’t meant to be halfway believers, or Christians, but to pursue our faith just as we are commanded to love God… with all our heart, soul, mind, and as following scriptures tell us, with all our strength.
“And he [Jesus] said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
Matthew 22:37-38 ESV
To give Him anything less is to be like lukewarm water in His mouth, and we will be spit out, or like the young rich ruler who could not bring himself to sell everything he owned and give the money to the poor in order to obtain eternal life. Anything less than our all is unacceptable to God. He wants nothing to be more valuable to us than Him.
“Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
Matthew 19:21-22 ESV
Do we have great and insurmountable earthly possessions when it comes to being transformed by our faith into the image of Jesus? Are there things we hold tight to and refuse to let go of? Will we give up our strength, our selfishness, and our wealth, but hold fast to our pride? Will we adhere to a life of prayer, and love our neighbor, but allow our gluttony or selfishness to undo us? We all have challenges to our faith that try us. The question is whether we can overcome our shortcomings, and yield entirely to the Lord.
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
Colossians 3:5-8 ESV
Is being perfected by our transformation in Christ something we can, or will, do? Heaven forbid that we be like the rich young ruler and find ourselves unwilling, or unable, and walk away sad from our complete renewal?
If, in our introspection, we find that we are resisting God’s desire for us to become completely like Jesus in every way, what can we do? How can we defeat the hold that the world has on us and not fall victim to our fallen nature? Our victory in this is like all of our other sinful and worldly challenges… we can’t face them alone. Thankfully God helps us in this, He sent His Son as our blueprint of righteousness, and to redeem us, and His Holy Spirit to help us. We are not alone. Our part in this is to pray and to contemplate the character of God and Jesus, then to do as they have taught and commanded us.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:6-9 ESV
God is with us, He sent His Son for us, and His Spirit is in us even now, but will we allow them to complete their work in us? Can we bow to the transformation that will perfect us, make us pleasing to God, and give us eternal life? Is our desire to love and obey God glorifying Him in us?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the transformation and renewal of our spirit that we receive when we believe, and have faith. Thank you for preparing the way before us so that our walk towards you, although narrow, is straight and level. Thank you for the strength of our belief, our faith, and the resolve you give us as we press on towards the eye of the needle, the gate into your holy city, and your eternal presence. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who loves us enough that you sent your Son Jesus to suffer and die for us. Holy, Holy, Holy are you who, on the third day, raised Him from the dead so that we might believe and have eternal life in your presence. Praised be your name for transforming us, day by day, and step by step, into the image of your perfect Son. Merciful are you Father for not leaving us to walk this way alone, but for sending your Holy Spirit to be with us as we seek to walk closer by your side. Wash us in the blood of your Son, and cleanse us of every sin. Pour out your grace upon us through Jesus Christ so that we, who feel so undeserving, can find ourselves made worthy of eternity with you. Call us your children, your friends, your servants, and messengers of your Word as we deliver the gospel of Jesus to the world. Today we pray that our transformation be advanced, and that the image of Jesus be further perfected in us. In this way, on the day of judgement see not us, but us in Christ, and seat us at your table forevermore.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
Rich Forbes