Spiritual Transfromation
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
According to the dictionary, transform means to make someone or something to become completely different and usually better. As Christians, our transformation start with salvation but does not ends there. It is an ongoing fundamental changes in our spiritual life. This is the process of shedding negative and limiting habits, thoughts and beliefs, and allowing the inner man within us shine out.
Romans 12:2 – “And do not be conform 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.”
Imagine a radiant light bulb, hidden beneath layers of materials. As you remove layer after layer, the light shines more radiantly and strongly to illuminate the surroundings. Likewise, you are a spirit. You have a body and a mind. The body is just the vehicle, the mind; which is the seat of our emotions, is the steering wheel, and the spirit is the driver. Thus, spiritual transformation is the process of upgrading one’s ability to navigate through the obstacles of life while maintain inner peace.
Spiritual transformation does not happen just by reading Christian books and listening to messages. This is just like eating some ready-made food. You can gain some understanding, but you will experience greater transformation through an in-depth relationship with God.
Colossians 2:6-7 – “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”
Relationship with God cannot be limited to a two-hour church service on Sunday and Wednesday. Our spiritual transformation requires spending time with God on a daily basis. In John 4:1-42; the Samaritan woman by the well knew more about God through spending time with Jesus and she was transformed. Her life changed to the extent that she became the source of light directing others to Jesus. Just one adventure with Christ removed the layers of wrong believes and thoughts, negative and limiting habit that prevented her from shinning, and she was able to shine out radiantly and strongly for Jesus.
“So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT)
We know more about God when we spend time with Him through His Word and through prayer. The bible is God’s manual for our lives and it is only through an in-depth study of God’s Word we can know Him better, know who we are, our purpose on earth, and God’s will for us. Spending time with God is a privilege, not a chore or an obligation that we have to do.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14
The more we know about God, the more His word and the Holy Spirit influences our thoughts and actions, the more we honor and esteem Him, the more we are transformed spiritually and the more we will shine brighter for Him.