Two questions have haunted and challenged me through most of my life as a minister: “Can people really change?” And, “Can people truly help other people change?” I’ll be honest with you: there are days when I have my doubts. In my more cynical moments, my take is that we spend a lifetime recycling our problems and mistakes in new places with different people. But because I believe in the power of the gospel, and because I have seen its transformative power at work in human lives, I’m committed to living above such cynicism.
What this means is that while I am a realist by nature, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ are conditioning me to become a gospel optimist, a person who always holds out hope that God’s power is capable of transforming anyone. That’s not to say that real change comes easily. It is my experience that change – true, lasting, transformative change – is much harder than it looks.
Rather than acquiesce to hopeless and cynical views, I want to encourage us to be gospel optimists: to seek God’s transforming work in our lives and not to be surprised when we see God working in the lives of others. I offer three observations as we think about the possibility of spiritual transformation.
First, spiritual transformation rarely comes during times of equilibrium and comfort. If you find yourself in a difficult season or a time of transition, keep alert to the ways in which God might use these challenging circumstances to teach you important lessons. Crisis is often the crucible for spiritual rebirth and renewal. Learn to receive the gift that is hidden in the midst of the challenge.
Second, if we desire to see growth in ourselves, we must commit ourselves to it. Whether you are trying to change a bad habit or read through the Bible, you will never do so without a clear decision and firm commitment. The sad truth is that “if you aim at nothing, you’re sure to hit it.”
Third, being part of a believing community can be a tremendous resource and even a catalyst for spiritual growth. We all need the encouragement of wise mentors and the shared accountability of loving friends. The challenges that can accompany the spiritual transformation process can be greatly mitigated by these relationships.
May God bless each of us as we embrace God’s transformative process in our lives and as we seek to encourage and bless others on that same journey.
Recent Comments