CHANGE IS A-COMING

From one day to the next, we face change. Change in relationships, in government and religion, in education and business, and in nature. Nothing is sure except death and taxes, some people say. We followers of Christ can add that God never changes. He is faithful in all that He says and does. He is the One who helps us to meet every change with grace, wisdom, and joy. Praise the Lord!

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES  by Sally Bair

Transformers

Before the days of buried cables, an electric line ran from a pole by our road to a pole in the yard and from there to our house and barn. The roadside pole held a transformer that changed electric power from high voltage—enough to serve the neighborhood—to a lower voltage for only our house and barn.

The word transform means to change in nature, form, or appearance. Transformation also means metamorphosis, as in a tadpole changing into a frog or a caterpillar into a butterfly. By our own effort we can cause transformations, too—a run-down house into a castle, a rock into a polished gem, a piece of wood into a table. An overweight mom can, by diet and exercise, transform her body into one that’s unrecognizably beautiful. A failing student can become a successful scientist through hard work and determination.

 The Bible speaks of transformation, too. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

In this context, the words conform and transform are opposites. Instead of being conformed, or molded, by the values of the world or era we live in, Paul wants us to be transformed. Spiritual transformation begins in the mind and heart. When our mind is dedicated to worldly concerns, it will be tossed back and forth by cultural fads. Throughout history, culture continues to change from one societal fad or belief to another, sometimes at the whim of a single person.

As followers of Christ, we can resist the temptations our culture espouses. If we choose to believe the truth of God’s Word and consistently meditate on it, the Holy Spirit will guide and shape our thoughts and behaviors. Such action will renew our mind until “we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)

Obtaining the mind of Christ is a lifetime process. We gain success one day and fall back the next. Our baby steps toward spiritual maturity require persistent effort and daily prayer. God promises to help us when we ask, when we are willing to do our part. God is a God of miracles, yet most change comes through hard work empowered by His Spirit.

Lord, thank You for transforming our minds into the mind of Christ. As we do our part, give us strength, encouragement, and power. In Jesus’ name, amen.