Be Transformed

I can't wait for the Transformers movie to come out. Call me a nerd or a geek - I can live with that. But I am excited about seeing how they recreate the AutoBots for the big screen. And to top it off . . . Mute Math scored BIG TIME by getting chosen to create the new version of the Transformers theme song for the movie!

In all seriousness, transformation is a subject that cannot be fully explored in one night. Even after Thursday night, I don't feel like we've even begun to scratch the surface of what it really means to be transformed. And I don't know if we ever completely understand the concept. It's fluid - constantly changing. It's a never-ending, constant, and dynamic process. But even a scratch of the surface can raise an awareness of just how necessary a process it is for a Christian. And a realization (at least for me) of how far short we fall from being truly transformed.

The problem for me is that I have a subdued definition of "transform." Ask me two weeks ago to define "transform,' and I probably would have responded with some intelligent answer like, "to change." And while that's a correct definition, it's also an incomplete definition. The Greek word Paul used is most closely associated with the modern English word "metamorphosis." Think caterpillar to butterfly - that's the type of transformation Paul was talking about.

I define transformation now as, "a catastrophic alteration." Why catastrophic? Does that seem too dramatic and too sensational for a definition? Maybe it does to you. But I think it's fairly accurate when you take a moment to look at it with an open mind. Transformation is catastropic. In a spiritual sense, transformation requires the utter destruction of the "old self." And the most important area where transformation must occur is with our minds.

Do not be conformed . . . but be transformed, by the renewing of your minds. Three mandates. Three important lessons from Paul. Each one is a natural progression from the previous one:

1. Do not be conformed - Take a moment to look at your life. In a world of gray areas, political-correctness, and acceptance, do you (as a Christian) stick out like a sore thumb? Are you different? I'm not saying we cannot be relevant and that we have to come across as out-of-touch-with-reality-religious-nutcases. Quite the opposite! We need to be "in the world." But we CANNOT, we SHOULD NOT, be "of the world." So what do you look like - the world or something better? Do you look like what God intends for you to look like?

2. Be transformed - Be catastrophically altered. Let God transform you in such a way that the "old self" is unrecognizable. It's foreign to you. If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION, OLD things are PASSED AWAY, all things are BECOME NEW. Transformation. Total and complete. Catastrophic!

3. Renewing of your mind - Ah, this is the silent killer for me! Sounds easy to renew the mind. But it's not. In fact, it's one of the most difficult aspects of the Christian walk. It's both and offensive and defensive discipline that every believer must learn. Offensive in that we are given the mandate to think on certain things. Training the mind to think in a certain manner so that we strengthen our mind to withstand the world's influences. And defensive because it's a reminder to "clean house" periodically to make sure no "barnacles" (the world's values, mindsets, etc) have attached themselves to our lives. It is unbelievable how quickly we pick them up without being aware of it. So we must continually renew our minds to ensure that they are clean - free and clear of the barnacles!

A lack of renewal of the mind can result in a frustrated and ineffective Christian walk. Nothing derails the revelation of the
God's will in our lives like the corrupted mind. Why? Because the corrupted mind cannot begin to make sense of God's will. God uses the weak and simple to confound (confuse) the strong and wise. That is absolute madness to a mind that has not been renewed and come to the realization that man's wisdom and strength is foolishness and weakness in the light of who God is.

A renewed mind is a catalyst for faith-building. And as faith grows, we believe God can and will do greater things in us. And that expectant faith becomes a conduit for God's revelation of his will in our lives. If you want to know God's will for your life, if you are seeking his will and seem to be running into walls instead of locating doors and windows, maybe you need to consider looking to see how "renewed" your mind is. I know that when I did that this week, I found more clutter and baggage than I would care to admit to. I needed to experience some renewal of the mind. And I have made an effort to be more careful about letting things attach themselves when they don't belong. It's a constant process though - and one where complacency is dangerous.

The challenge is this: Are you influencing the world around you or being influenced by it? Are you living life with a renewed mind or with one corrupted and controlled by the old, sinful self? Are you conforming to the world or being transformed by God? Do you more closely resemble the world or out Savior? I hope it's the latter!

I desire greatness for our group - for each one of you Elementals! I see untold potential in our group. The kind of potential that can catastrophically alter the world for Christ! But a transformation, a catastrophic alteration, needs to occur within each of our individual lives if we want to see that potential be realized. Are you willing?

You all continue to challenge and inspire me. Sean - your word at the end was God inspired. I felt all week like there was something separate (not spoken or done by me) that was going to happen in the service. Your word was a confirmation of that. I hope we all take your words as a personal challenge this week. Continue to live loud for God! See you next Thursday!