I think most people would agree that 2020 hasn’t been the best year ever. We have and are still facing COVID-19; we now live with a new normal. However, COVID-19 will not hinder the changing of summer to fall. Just this week (August 20), I have felt some fall breezes and cooler temperatures. Summer is changing, transforming into fall.
Change is an ongoing part of life. Change is constant. Change is the new norm. Our spiritual lives call for more than slight changes; they are in need of transformation. Webster theologically defines transform, “To transform is to change the natural disposition and temper of a man from a state of enmity to God and His law into a disposition and temper conformed to the will of God.” Simply put, transform is a change in character.
Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, I have chosen “Transformational” as theme for the Michigan Church of God church year, 2020-2021. I believe God wants to change lives and hearts. Recently I read an article by Ed Stetzer on change and I want to share three brief points on transformation.
Real transformation starts with new life, not just a new leaf. II Corinthians 5:17 (NKJ) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” The very heart of the Gospel message revolves around transformation. Jesus calls it being “born again” John 3:3.
Transformation is a process not a destination. All of us are on a journey, and things are changing hopefully in us and around us. Now, not all change, of course, is good. However, we should be growing maturing. Philippians 1:6 (NKJ) “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Finally, transformation changes our focus. A believer sees things differently after he/she is born again. II Corinthians 5:15 (NKJ) “And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” Church, it’s all about Him not us.
Join me in this “Transformational” year. Lives are going to be changed, and communities will be impacted. God will do this through His power.