Transformation as Process

OK, it is no big secret that transformation is a process. In order to change something you must act upon it in some way. If I want to change water to steam I add heat, if I want to make water I combine oxygen and hydrogen, if I want to make a committed follower of Jesus I must add experiences. While the Word of God is absolutely critical, it is not enough to cause transformation. Transformation is not simply what I "think." Transformation is about the very essence of who I am. Who I am is revealed in and through the decisions I make in life circumstances. The decisions I make do not define me, they reveal me. Every action I take is based on a decision I make (consciously or unconsciously) which is based on who I am. The process of transformation begins with an understanding of God's standard (His Word). The gap between God's Word and my behavior is the Transformation Gap. Bible Study helps me understand the expectation, humility helps me respond to God's Spirit and Grace when I fail to live up to the standard. It is not by means of great effort that I am transformed. Transformation, like salvation, is a gift. Both require a volitional response that says, yes to God. Salvation requires a revelation of who God is. Transformation requires a revelation of who I am. That revelation and our "yes" activate the grace of God that continues the process of transformation. Every day, every thought, every action is an opportunity to say yes to the Spirit's work of transformation in our lives. Confession (humility in action) is agreeing with God that we need Him to change us to be more like Jesus….it is a moment by moment process (1 Jn 1:9). While Paul said it, I can imagine Jesus saying the same thing to me today, Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I'm going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.
Galatians 4:19 (NLT)

 

7 Laws of Transformation

Spiritual Transformation is not a great mystery.  The Apostle Paul challenged believers in Rome (Rom. 12:1,2) to be transformed.  According to Dallas Willard we need a clear Vision of transformation, a focused Intention to be transformed and a Method to follow (VIM).  This blog focuses more on the "Method" than either of the other two parts.  I believe there are millions of Christians that want their lives to be a reflection of Jesus (Vision) and millions who are motivated (Intention), but far too few that know the how of transformation (Method).  It is my intention to provide the reader a path to follow and ideas and thoughts to weigh.  There are two things that are critical to understand 1) there is no "one" method, we really do learn from God and one another and this is a place to share what we are learning and 2) real transformation is a Grace operation.  In fact, those who are becoming more and more like Jesus must breathe in Grace, it is the power given to become more like Jesus.

Welcome to the journey!