2017 Devotional Word #19: TRANSFORMATION

I have to say one of my most favorite commercials of the past few years is the Geico one with two friends lifting weights. During the 30 seconds of commercial, one of the "bros" goes from being scrawny to having huge muscles. It's an incredible TRANSFORMATION right before our very eyes.

Now, I realize that the Geico commercial is just some good Hollywood special effects. But how about the people who experience the health/physical TRANSFORMATION in real life? I love to hear the stories of people who have lost a lot of weight... the testimonies of people changing their diets and lifestyles. I mean don't we all?! Why do you think "The Biggest Loser" was such a popular show? The "wow" factor of seeing the before and after pics!

Even more than that, I love hearing people's stories of how God has changed their lives. There is nothing like an incredible testimony of the power of God at work in someone's life.

This week's word is TRANSFORMATION. As used in the Bible (see verses below), it's the same greek word from which we get "metamorphosis" in English. This makes me think of the caterpillar in its cocoon being changed into a butterfly. This word means change that comes from the inside out. In the context of God's Word, it's the change brought about through the power of the Holy Spirit of God in one's life.

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.   ~ Romans 12:1-2

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

All of us long for personal growth. We want to be better friends, parents, spouses, workers, etc. The harsh reality is all of us face struggles, hardships and failures in this life. Many of us spend most of our life trying to move on from mistakes of the past... longing for the "do-over" button to push to bring about a grand "reboot" for life. It doesn't happen like this.

Here's the straight truth: God desires to bring about TRANSFORMATION  in your life. While you can't simply try harder to change yourself, you do have an important role to play. You ARE called to stop conforming (and numbing your hearts/minds) to the popular patterns of this culture. You ARE responsible for daily dying to self in surrender ("present your body as a living sacrifice") and consistently getting into the Word of God ("renewing of your mind").

Don't settle with where you are in life. Give up on doing life your way: Walk faithfully and intimately in your relationship with Jesus and watch Him supernaturally change you from the inside out! In this, I believe, God will get the most glory from your life.  

Looking up. Living (inside) out!