The Challenge of Being Transformed
Transformation is a challenging journey. A very vulnerable position! Choose wisely your counsel when choosing from man!
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV).
"Casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." 1 Peter 5:7-9.
"And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions." 2 Corinthians 11:14-15.
In this process of being transformed, we confront those influences, behaviors, thought patterns, mindsets, and lifestyles that have caused us to be separated from God the Father.
No wonder many new converts avoid the willingness and desire to be transformed even years into their conversion. Why? Who wants to get messy after being told they have been made clean?
Salvation is just the beginning. Once saved, one must commit, whatever the cost, to the journey ahead even when, at times, you have to go through the "mud" (anger, guilt, shame, unforgiveness, doubt, fear) are just some examples of the mud. This is work. May not have been included in the sales transaction you received from your local "salesman."
Once we get through this uncomfortable but required season, one can see more clearly and have the strength and passion for moving forward with Father leaning completely on Him. The confusion transforms into understanding, the blindness transforms into sight, and the deafness transforms into hearing. Living a life in Him, for Him, through Him, for those He has for you to bring to Him.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God,
so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints"
Ephesians 6:10-18
-Clint
Excellent summary of transformation
ReplyDeleteThank you for your compliment Anonymous.
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