I now live in a part of the world where spring is not as big a deal as I formerly knew it. In Florida I don’t have to endure the bone-chilling cold which must occur before the spring bursts of forsythia and lilacs, and crocus and hyacinths breaking through the frosted earth. I miss that reawakening which is so welcome after the period of greys and browns of winter. Exuberant color is such a blessing after living with the bland landscape for a season.
Just as a seed must “die” before new life springs from it, so we must look to transformation in other aspects. Yesterday I attended two Bible studies, my usual Tuesday routine right now. The first group of ladies is studying the awesome work of Nancy Guthrie who I am learning to love for her unique perspective of pointing out the Old Testament passages which point to Christ in the New Testament. Literally, the covenant promises of the prophets, of Genesis, and of the Wisdom Literature (Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon) are transformed by God’s redemption through His Son, our Lord. And what a transformation that makes to each individual, to entire societies, and to the church.
We were discussing the world view which is totally antithetical to the message of God. With distraction, with the intentional defiance against morality, with Satanic deception, and with careless attitudes about individual mortality and immortality, the world’s view shows little interest in the redeeming work of Christ.
Romans 12:2 reminds us to not be conformed, but rather transformed. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and plesing and perfect His will really is.” It is intentional. It is impossible to do without commitment to the Savior, an invitation for Him to take over the reins of our lives, and the work of the Holy Spirit whose influence gives us the strength to take our head knowledge to heart and make it effective to serve His Kingdom.
I have recently been privileged to see transformation in a friend’s life. She is listening to the Gospel for the first time, and is experiencing what I’ve known practically all my life. The change in her demeanor, her attitudes, even her countenance is amazing. She is becoming transformed into a follower of Jesus Christ, and is allowing her mind, her lifestyle, her interests, and her attitudes to focus on God’s richest gift, her salvation. What a blessing.
I’ve been reading the opening chapters of Acts. The transformation of lives and towns and areas after Christ’s ascension is impressive, even, I suppose, to secular readers. From eleven apostles to the point where thousands of new believers heard and adopted Christ’s story as their own, was amazing. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit transformed and continues to transform those chosen to believe it, through God’s grace.
In this time of persecution of Christians, would that we would see a revitalization of our churches, a reawakening, a revival so intense that the world takes notice, just as the first century did.
Tomorrow is National Day of Prayer. I pray that transformed lives will be just that remarkable tomorrow and hereafter.
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