Transformer

Boys who grew up in the last 30 years are familiar with a toy called a transformer.  Following the original story line, by manipulating the toy, you can change it from one form, a robot, into something different, such as a vehicle or an animal.  Originally, it was a limited series, but as fads will do, it took off, and eventually transformed into something not originally imagined.  The transformer transformed itself, so to speak.

I was thinking about that this morning, and about God's will for us.  He has the power to transform us, to mold us into his image, to change us from our worldly, sinful humanity to the reflection of his gracious goodness.  As we approach Easter, the highest of holy days in the Christian church, we are pushed into considering more deeply the transformation of our spirit through the period of waiting we call Lent.  Easter is not so much about the glory as the pain, I've discovered, the bending of our willfulness to his will.  In seeking his plan, we transform our faith from the profane to the sacred, in accordance with his plan for each of our lives.  He can transform us beyond anything we imagine, if we allow him to work his will in our lives.  Our story line is limited by earthly bounds, God's story line is infinite.

We resist transformation.  It can be difficult, even painful at times, as we go through the necessary changes to reach our new condition of faithfulness.  It is easier to remain static, confident that our current self is adequate, good enough, to carry us home to our Father when the time comes.  His grace is overall, after all, so why do we need to do anything more?

But when God transforms us, we become new in the faith and new in our spirit.  As we are stretched and bent to God's perfect will, we become a reflection of his image, a shining light to assist others who continue to blindly blunder around in the darkness.  God tells us in 2 Corinthians 3, verse 18, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."  (NIV)

There is no higher calling in life than to be a reflection of the Lord, and to share our faith with those who are lost in darkness.  Bring your light out and let it shine in this season of waiting, that we can spread the good news that our God can transform darkness into light, and futility into future.

Praying that your light will shine with the brilliance of the spirit today and every day.