Why is it that transformation seems so painful? In that great and spiritual movie “X-Men”, anytime Wolverine transforms into his combative self it looks so painful. How about when a mother gives birth and new life comes into this world. It is painful, at least that’s what I hear and it sure looked that way when I saw my daughters being born. How about those nagging physical problems that need a physical transformation called surgery to rectify? It is painful in the short term but long term we are thankful for the transformation.
In the book of Romans Paul talks about the transformation that happens as we choose to walk with Christ. This too can be a painful transformation as Christ surgically removes spiritual ailments in our life and directs us back to a path that produces life. Listen to what Paul says….
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this 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 comes as we offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God. That sounds painful, doesn’t it? Anytime we hear that word “sacrifice”, we know it may not be easy. So Paul says in light of God’s great mercy shown to us, we offer our lives back to Him. I no longer live for me but for God. This is how I worship God. That can be painful because up until the moment I realize this truth I have always lived for me. Everything I did was with me in mind. Once I decide to follow Christ all of that changes. Now I sacrifice my own life and live for God. All of the things that are so important and give me significance, according to the standards of this world, take a back seat now. What matters now? Everything that is important to God is now important to me.
Transformation is painful at times but it is worth it. We can spend so much time wondering what God’s will is but we can never know until we surrender our will to His. Transformation happens as we refuse to follow the patterns of the world and instead follow God’s standards. When the world tells us to pursue riches, God says. “Be generous”. When the world tells us to pursue pleasure God says, “Pursue righteousness”. When the world says that it can offer peace God reminds us that the only lasting and eternal peace comes form Him.
We are constantly transforming but the question we need to ask is “What are we transforming into?” We transform from kids into adults and from young to old. As people relate with us we are transformed, sometimes for the better and sometimes not.
What is the nicest act someone has ever done for you? How did it change you? Has anyone ever sacrificed it all for you? That is what Christ did. He died so that you could live. Through this act of mercy we are changed. Is this a painful process? Sometimes it is. But never as painful as what He endured for us. In light of this I offer myself to Him. We say to God, “Your sacrifice meant something. I am grateful.” Have you ever allowed yourself to really ponder this? Christ gave himself up for you. The more we understand this, the more it will change us. Our heart will beat with His. We will be transformed more and more into the image of Jesus Christ. We will become more and more like Him until the day we see Him face to face. Have a great week!
Pastor Stan and Polly
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