Transformation is the inward change of character of a disciple. It can also be said that it is an alteration of the mind which reflects on how we live, including our outward appearance, behaviour and speech. As such, it is an intriguing concept that challenges our understanding. Though it includes change—it is not just one change; it is not just instantaneous change or once and for all change; and the changes that take place are not just observable with the senses. In fact, transformation encompasses:
- several changes;
- gradual changes over the lifetime of the disciple during their walk with the Lord;
- changes that are observable by onlookers as well as the disciple themselves; and
- changes that are “hidden”, taking place inside of the heart and mind of the disciple.
True godly transformation results in God’s likeness and image. Furthermore, the mind and life of a disciple can be changed, regardless of the worldly trend. Romans 12:2 instructs us not to conform to the world’s pattern and system, which is strikingly different from God’s Kingdom. When you are shaped by the pattern of the world, you will eventually look like the world and the ways of the world influence you.
The truth is that we are always evolving as time passes—we develop emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically over time. The question that every disciple must determine by their actions is whether they will evolve to look: a. more like Jesus—that is thinking, behaving and looking like a citizen of his kingdom OR b. more like a citizen of the world.
In order to look increasingly like Jesus, the actions every disciple must do are what I refer to as the “Homework”: Prayer, fasting and studying God’s Word. This is nothing revolutionary—what many would call the basics of Christian living, yet a challenge for the best of us. This is, in part, because we’re in a spiritual battle, wrestling not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). However, the Bible advises us that if we resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7). Thus, every disciple must strive to consistently do the Homework. It is a daily choice that we must make, bearing in mind that the kind of transformation we will have depends upon it. We should also go one step further to practice the Word of God. In this regard, the Bible admonishes us to be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer (James 1:23, 25 * Joshua 1:8 * Deuteronomy 6:3)
The Word of God (the Bible) and the Holy Spirit are instrumental to the transformation process. In fact, the Word of God is God Himself. Transformation happens when we spend time in God’s Word, pondering it both day and night, thereby allowing it to shape our thinking and renew our minds. God’s word is “living” because inside of it lies His Spirit. Thus, by allowing the living word of God to regularly permeate our minds, we can be transformed into God’s image and likeness. In essence, we must allow the Word of God to dwell richly in us for we cannot be transformed if we don’t fill our hearts and minds with God’s words. In this way, we will begin to think, see and feel the mind of God so that we do the things that please Him.
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Andrea P. Kelly is a disciple of Jesus Christ, having started her faith journey in October, 1998 when she was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Andrea is also a Lawyer and Notary Public at Andrea Kelly Law, called to the Ontario bar in 2001 with practice focus in Estate Planning and Administration. Her battle and victory over rheumatoid arthritis using natural health alternatives was a pivotal, life changing experience. Andrea`s desire to help people find solutions to some of life`s problems, including support for health and faith-related matters, was birthed as Pearls of Wisdom.
Whereas Andrea spent the first part of her career helping people to die well, she now wants to help people to live well. |