2008-03-28 01:01:00
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).
Joe came into the church we served in northern Pennsylvania in personal and family conflict. He told me later he walked in as a bitter man. Among other things he and his wife were in disagreement concerning church attendance. But somehow she persuaded him to come that Palm Sunday morning about twenty-five years ago. A big, burly man he didn't seem happy to be there at all and as I stretched out my hand to greet him I wondered if he was going to snap at me! My welcoming smile was met by his very stern expression. If his looks could have spoken they would have said: “It’s not my choice to be here today so don't expect me to be friendly.”
Three weeks later Joe responded to an altar call. He gave his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ who then began the transformation process that continues to this day. His three children who were just little tikes when I first met them are now grown and married. Joe and Jane are blessed with six grandchildren. He joyfully testifies to the change in his life and for many years was active in ministry to boys until he began to experience health problems.
One of the most poignant memories I have of Joe was a foot washing service several years after he came into faith. I was preaching from John 13 concerning Christ's example and asked him if I could publicly wash his feet as a dynamic sermon illustration. He agreed and it is one of my greatest ministry memories. I am sure there are some who were in the church at that time who still remember that message!
Joe took seriously the call to discipleship in Romans 12:2: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
This prompts a challenge to my fellow believers to steadfastness as we all undergo the transformation process that begins when we accept Christ. I recall some really rough spots early on with Joe, but he persevered. Elsewhere the apostle Paul tells us that we "are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18).
You may be impatient with the pace of transformation in your life or that of a loved one. You may really be hitting some rough spots in life's journey. Stay faithful, dear friend. Don't give up, but keep pressing on. For Joe, and for all of us who have accepted Christ, we have this confidence: "that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we are confident in the transforming work You carried out when You forgave us our sins. You turned our lives around so that we no longer live for ourselves, but for the One who created us. We thank You for our salvation that began the moment we surrendered our will and continues all the days of our earthly life. We anticipate the glorious day that our salvation will be brought to completion on the day of Christ’s return. Until that transforming day keep us faithful and trusting as our spiritual life is rooted and established in Your divine wisdom. We want to be obedient to Your commands, as revealed in Your Holy Word, and apply them to our lives. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray, Amen.
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