Log Out!

Transformation.  That’s all I seem to talk about.  And it sounds pret-ty good.   Yet as I reflect on our Summer Series it occurred to me:  I simply cannot help ANYONE Transform into what God created them to be until I allow God to Transform ME first.  Can I get an Amen?

But what does that mean?

And how do I get there?

PART 1: HOW NOT TO GET THERE

This Scripture about How NOT To Get There appears in both Matt 7:3-5 & Luke 6:41-42:

Matt 7:3-5 NASU  “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

And OH  we are GOOD at picking out the specks in everyone else’s eyes!  But let’s work on getting the LOG OUT of our own eyes first, shall we?

Since we’ve looked at How NOT To Be Transformed, let’s look at a more excellent Way:

PART 2: HOW TO GET THERE

Rom 12:1-2 NASU  Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

OK So how do you do that?  Why The Rom 12:9-13 Checklist Of Course!

Rom 12:9-13 NASU  Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Some of the things on that list sound a little “nebulous” don’t they?   Like: are you “persevering in tribulation?’  Well, I guess I’m “hanging in there”—but is that what He’s talking about?  But then He gets more specific in verses 12 & 13: devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

OK NOW How Are You Doing?  So not to lay a guilt trip on ya, but I mean: Do you wanna be Transformed? Truly? Then You are gonna have to do things d-i-f-f-e-r-e-n-t-l-y (i.e. Not Be Conformed)!  Insanity has been defined as doing the same thing but expecting a different result. So starting this week let’s STOP THE INSANITY!!!

TAKE THE #DO1THINGDIFFERENTLY CHALLENGE!

I’ve started keeping a journal with my daily Bible reading. I take one verse that really speaks to me & I write a one-paragraph reflection on it.  It  has really helped me truly focus my thoughts and actions in powerful ways.  So let me challenge you:

Q: What’s ONE Thing You Can Do Differently This Week?

Transformation can seem overwhelming but I Challenge You—Do just one thing differently this week and watch the Transformation For His Glory commence.

In His Accessible Grace,

Linda

Image Source:  iStockphoto.com