Four Ways to Transform Your Life and Your Church
Transformation has always been the ultimate goal of Christianity.
The Apostle Paul said it best.
Romans 12:2
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.
2 Cor. 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
In a practical sense, I believe transformation is a process that happens in one of four ways – renewal, revival, reformation, or resolve.
Renewal involves reopening the value for creative and innovative juices to flow; impacting traditional ideas. We experience renewal when old ways of doing things are replaced with fresh, new ideas that breathe “new life” into our hearts. In renewal we can clearly see the value of change. We realize that we cannot keep doing the same things over and over again; expecting different results.
Revival means restoring back to life that which has died. In revival our life is re-connected with the “power source” – the Holy Spirit. As power is restored, we experience a newfound energy and motivation to live for Christ. The joy of our salvation is revived. We feel empowered to deepen our relationship with God and share our testimony with others. In revival we learn to “live again”.
Reformation brings relevant change to misaligned concepts and outdated designs. Reformation involves a sense of “remodeling” – a makeover in structure or style. In reformation appearances and designs can go through radical; and often, very noticeable, radical change. We experience a profound difference in the way we think and act. The old has passed away; in with the new.
Resolve involves an unwavering determination that sinks deep within our souls. Resolve means fighting through the toughest challenges; never looking back. In resolve we “grab the bull by the horns and wrestle him to the ground”. We don’t give up and never retreat; despite the circumstances. Resolve may also mean blazing a new path; pioneering a new journey into uncharted territory.
I like to think of transformation as a window of opportunity that the Lord opens up to our life; bringing spiritual awakening, new revelation, and empowerment. Here’s our chance to breathe deeply a fresh awareness of Jesus in our life. We can also seize a divine opportunity to feel the mighty winds of the Holy Spirit breeze through our life once again.
These transformational processes may also be considered as points of entry into an exciting journey into new life – one full of lots of challenges and risk-taking. This journey helps us "bridge the gap" between complacency and proactive change; paving the way for progress and growth.
I have, at one time or another, experienced all four of these processes. I am a better husband, father, and worker because of these life-changing processes; or also stated, seasons in my life. But the one that I am experiencing most right now is resolve. This one is really hitting me hard right now in my personal and professional life. Perhaps it is because I am much older now and have seen many things.
Whatever the costs, I want to make a profound “difference” in what I do with the rest of my life. I am “locked and loaded”; ready for battle. I am determined to do whatever it takes to hear those words from Jesus as he reviews my life on earth.
“Well done…good and faithful servant!”
Think about it. If this is happening to me right now; then just think, what could happen if other Christians within my community caught the vision and engaged transformation? Working together we probably could make a major impact in the lives of family, friends, and co-workers throughout our entire community.
Come on Church. What’d you say? Let’s do it!
