Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
We are assured that when we come to Christ we will be transformed into new creations (1 Corinthians 5:17). The moment we put our faith in Him, we are saved, a part of His family, but the transformation is not instantaneous. We don’t say a prayer that magically makes it all happen. God has a process that involves community in His Church. The Church is the transformation station for us to grow and become a new person by changing the way think. As we cooperate with God’s process, we learn to know and follow God’s pleasing and perfect ways.
The New Testament is filled with examples and instructions for this. Romans 12 is just one small example. We are reminded not to evaluate ourselves improperly, but to live in humility and honor with the other parts of the body or Christ. We each have gifts to bring and we all need the gifts others have to share. Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." It's a metaphor for the idea that people can improve and grow by interacting with others who challenge, support, and push them to be better, just as two pieces of iron can refine each other by rubbing against each other.
That’s what happens as we develop deep relationships within God’s family. Read Romans 12:9-13, and underline or list all the characteristics and skills for living like Jesus that we can and will develop as we live together in the transforming grace God gives His Church. We learn to “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (ESV). That’s just the start. We learn from each other. We are transformed as the unhelpful parts of us diminish and the traits like Jesus flourish. We learn them from up-close and personal interactions with others.
We are brought into God’s family just as we are. But the goal is to be conformed to the image of Christ. This involves a transformation of character and conduct to reflect Jesus (Romans 8:29). It never happens in isolation. Whenever you find a person who claims and dates their salvation some years past, but there’s no true evidence of becoming like Christ, you can be sure they have not submitted themselves to the process God designed – transformation together in the Church. This is His way.
- How are you engaging in the church for your own transformation? It’s God’s plan and best resource for your change.