God’s desire is to transform and change us… from one degree
of glory to another, in accordance with 2 Cor. 3:18: But we all, with unveiled
face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed
into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
The promise for this year 2012 is put up for you: changing
from glory to glory. This year let it be a year of change for each one of us,
as we grow from degree of glory to the next degree. Prov. 4:18 says: But the
path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the
perfect day. And may it be a reality in each one of our lives… increasing in
brightness; Year 2012 being brighter than the year gone by; and increasing brighter and brighter as days go by-until we see Him {Jesus}
face to face on that perfect day.
Many Christians have the idea that being saved is somehow
the finishing line. True, it is the great escape- from the kingdom of darkness
into the kingdom of light; but, beloved, being saved by Jesus is just the
starting line of the justified. God’s plan and purpose includes a progress in
each believer’s life-that goes forward and upward, from glory to glory, to be
increasingly more like Jesus; yes, even being conformed to His image!
There are 2 parts to transformation: As we behold, the beauty of the Lord, we are being transformed (2 Cor. 3:18) by the working of the Holy Spirit; and as we renew our mind, we will be transformed (Romans 12:2). And both of these transformations (change) are necessary in a believer’s life!
Behold The Beauty
One Thing Needed
Change is NOT automatic! You must make a choice, if you so desire
change (and some won’t). Among the sisters-Mary and Martha, it was Mary who
made the choice to sit at the feet of Jesus, and it was she who received
commendation from our Lord Jesus: “But one thing is needed, and Mary has
chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)
Make a Choice-Come to Jesus
This is the simple first steps to draw close to Him-a simple
devotion to Jesus. Do not let your minds be deceived, from the simplicity that
is in Christ. (2 Cor. 11:3). As you draw close to Him, and sit at His feet, and
listen to His voice, you will be able to see the change in your perspective- a
higher way of thinking, a different way of walking. For we will be influenced
by those we spend time with; and His ways are higher. (Isaiah 55: 8, 9)
Hallelujah!
Abide in Him
Deep inside, many people of this world too want some change
in their lives! They try out New Year resolutions, self-help books and maybe
even worldly counsel. But the truth is that apart from Jesus, we can do
nothing (John 15: 4, 5). But if we make a choice to stay by His side-abide
in Him, we will bear much fruit.
Renew Your Mind
Your mind is the prize for which battles are fought-the ruler
of this world against the One who has all authority; your will against His
will; and the flesh against the Spirit! And there is some conformation taking
place inside of you-you can either be conformed to this world, or you can be
conformed to the image of Jesus. Paul clearly warns the believers not to be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Rom.
12: 2). There are again simple choices left to us to renew our mind. Let us
review them one by one.
Think Scriptures, Think Change
Spend time each day to read His word. Expose your mind to
God’s holy word-His love for the world, the work of the Savior, His love that
will not let us go. Maybe it is just a change in a relationship that is
required in us-maybe it is our judgmental attitudes and opinions that need some
change; as you see through Scripture, you can see through eyes of God and see
through people around you.
One Thing to Do
Paul says that he does one thing: Forget the past and press
on (Phi. 3:12). Christ Jesus has laid hold of you-and you too must lay hold
of the purpose for which He has called you! Reach forward to the future, let
every stride of yours be filled with purpose-the purpose for which Christ Jesus
has laid hold of you.
Walk In Light
No human is perfect-yet! We are all in the process of change,
with increasing brightness. -John writes in 1 John 1: 7 “But if we walk
in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” Notice
in these lines, that Apostle John is not trying to preach only to others-but includes
himself, too-and this from the disciple who was closest to Jesus and an Apostle
of love; the only disciple of Jesus, alive during that time, aged 95 years-
more than qualified to just preach!
We may not succeed if we think of changing others; but we most
definitely will succeed, if we decide to change ourselves!
Know Your Faults
We generally tend to have a high opinion of ourselves. And when
others come to the same conclusion, we think they have changed for good! But,
beloved, neither our opinion nor other’s, really matters! It is God’s word that
we must come to-to compare and find out our hidden faults. His word is living
and active (Heb. 4:12); His word warns us as well as rewards us (Ps. 19: 11,
12).
Be Open to Correction
The process of change is also portrayed as refinement in the
Bible-just as gold and silver (the precious metals) are refined in the fire. God
allows us to go through times of difficulties, suffering and trial- that in the
end it may be well with us! Remember how we, as parents, discipline our children-it
is because we love them. God our Father too loves us. Therefore, do not
lose heart. And we can even change-being renewed day by day (not year by year)!
For the Bible says: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man
is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
God Bless You, as you take the choices and steps to a
glorious change in your Christian life. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment