Pastoral Ponderings| Pastoral Ponderings | [printer version] |
It's been
said that the Bible can be used in two ways: for information and
transformation. Could it be that one of the problems facing Christianity
in America is too much information with too little transformation? Are we
knowledgeable about the Bible without allowing it to really take hold in
our lives? Do we enjoy the sermon on Sunday, but find that we have forgotten
it by Tuesday? God's word should be transforming us more into the image of Christ. Second Timothy tells us that God's word teaches us, but it also reproves and corrects us and trains us in righteousness. The important aspect to grasp in this is that it continues to perform these actions all through our lives. Good questions to ask are: “What have I learned recently?” “How have I been reproved and corrected?” “Where am I being trained in righteousness?” Transformation leads to spiritual maturity. A single person might ask, “How far can I go on a date before our physical involvement could be technically defined as 'sex'?” The better question would be, “How can this relationship become a partnership that glorifies God?" |
A student might ask a teacher, "Is this going to be on the test?" The better question would be, "Could I get a moment of your time so I can better understand what you taught in class today?" Finally, a married person might ask, "What exactly are the biblical grounds for divorce?" The better question would be, "How can we restore and renew our marriage?" In each of these cases, the second question is the one that leads to greater blessings in life. Transformation isn't simply our duty before God, but it brings us to the place where life works better. It's about handling situations with family differently now than we used to. It is about spending our money in ways that still brings joy, but without the headaches. Transformation affects our values and priorities. Transformation means change. Information alone means nothing. Transformation begins with a desire to change. We might not even know what to change, but God does and He will show us how. Next, we must avail ourselves to God through His word and prayer--not for the sole purpose of learning, but to give us knowledge to promote change in our lives. Journaling helps keep us focused and enables us to better see the progress. Accountability provides encouragement and motivation.  Many Christians look back with longing to days when they felt more alive in Christ. Maybe one of the reasons they felt more alive was that transformation was taking place. But how has God changed them this past year? “Hmmm, I don't really know.” They still go to church regularly and have a quiet time, but something is different and they keep hoping God will light that fire again. When we give God the freedom to transform us each day, a spark of joy ignites within. Will you give God the freedom to keep on transforming you? |