Part 3: Change Through Transformation
In Parts I and II we studied the following themes, “We are Christ’s Disciples” and “Becoming More Christlike.”
The Bible teaches us that God is transforming (changing) us into the likeness of Christ. What does that mean? It is necessary to distinguish (recognize the difference) between “conformity” and “transformation.” Conformity is change of shape or form, an external (outward) adjustment in response to pressure. It is like molds into which liquid metal is poured for cast iron. In the world we see many pressures of a social nature. Conformity can come from a desire for popularity or approval. It can come from fear, intimidation, or guilt. Laws make us conform, or suffer the consequences (results).
Billions of dollars are spent to influence people like you and me to buy things. Advertisement is a means of shaping people through attraction and manipulation (influence). The world tries to pattern everyone according to its values, ideas, tastes and lifestyle. We must resist this pressure.
The word transformation in Greek is metamorphosis, which reminds us of the change which occurs within the caterpillar when it becomes a butterfly, or a tadpole when it is transformed into a frog. The change that God is producing is from within—a change of mind, a change of heart. It is produced not by imposing prohibitions (forbidding by law) or obligations (duties), but from changing attitudes and priorities (most important things). A Christian does not live by prohibitions, but by convictions (strong beliefs). When the heart is pure, the exterior things will be pure also.
The Bible does not say that we are to substitute another kind of pressure to conform to strict moral standards. Rather, we are to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Romans 12:2). There are two keys to the process: to reject the old ways of thinking, and to allow the Spirit to renovate our mind through the Word. Christianity is not simply conformity to healthy standards. A Christian does good things because he is Christian; he is not a Christian because he does good things. That is the secret. Christian life is change that comes from within, not conformity. It's what is on the inside that counts.
The Bible, in 1 Peter 1:23, says that we are born again of incorruptible seed (not subject to decay). The producer of this change is God. We are transformed from glory to glory in the same image as Christ by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Cor. 3:18). He does it. It is not the product of human efforts, although we can cooperate with him or resist him. Think about Ephes. 4:24: “…put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” The words “put on” indicate our part, and the word “created” indicates that only God can make a new man. The first part is willingness on the part of man; the second is divine power that effects the change. The product is a new man invested with dignity, significance (meaning) and importance. We can be optimistic (expect the best) and be positive, not because we are so good and faithful to God but because God is faithful to us. He is “able to keep us from falling and to present us before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy” (Jude 24). Radio evangelist Charles Fuller used to say, “I am not what I ought to be, nor am I who I am going to be, but praise be to God, I am not what I was, either.” Everything is changing, even though the changes are made through a gradual process. The changes that God makes in our lives are growth in grace in the context (setting) of a loving relationship with Him.
—to be continued
—Adapted from the writings of Mark Asp
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