“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
As believers in Christ, we’re called to a higher standard than this world, to live transformed by the gospel.
The sad reality is that many people who call themselves Christians aren’t being transformed by the gospel. If you’re truly trusting in Christ, you’ll be transformed, and you’ll find great joy in being transformed.
In this article, I want to challenge you to look at your life and to spend time reflecting and looking back on your life. I want to challenge you to allow the gospel to begin its work in transforming you.
Gospel Transformation Takes Time
Often Christians can become discouraged because they feel like they aren’t truly saved. You might still struggle with sin, and Satan wants to use your struggle with sin to discourage you. He wants you to question your salvation.
It’s really important to remember that if you believe in Christ and you’re trusting Him with your life, you are saved. You are being transformed.
The word being is important to remember. Transformation isn’t something that happens suddenly overnight. Rather, transformation is a process, it takes time. First, you become saved when you first repent of your sins and believe in Christ. Second, Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, begins to transform your life.
In this post I want to show you what this looks like, but first I wanted to make it clear that gospel transformation takes time. You will take steps forward and maybe a few backward, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, you are being transformed by the gospel.
You are being changed into something new, for the glory of God.
Gospel Transformation = Total Transformation
If we are to be transformed by the gospel, our whole lives will be transformed, not just certain aspects.
When you’re truly transformed by the gospel, you’ll see total transformation in every area of your life.
Being totally transformed by the gospel changes the way you treat people around you. You’ll be gracious and kind, seeking to serve rather than to be served, just as Christ, who gave himself up as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).
Total transformation changes how you handle your money. Instead of being hasty to buy the latest, greatest things that promise fulfillment and joy, you’ll find joy in being patient to spend money on yourself, quick to give to your church, and quick to help others.
Total transformation changes how you view work. You’ll find yourself working hard and giving it your best for the glory of God rather letting laziness hold you down to only meeting the bare minimum.
Total transformation changes the way you look at people of the opposite sex. You’ll see them as beautiful individuals created in the image of God, to protect and to love, rather than a mere object to gratify your own selfish desires.
These are just a few of the different areas of life, but when you’re truly transformed by the gospel, you’ll see changes in every area of your life, not just the areas that are convenient for you.
Gospel Transformation Leads to Selfless Living
This is what is so amazing about Jesus. When we give our lives to Him, we’re completely made new. We’re no longer living for ourselves, no longer living for comfort, no longer mindlessly chasing after our dreams and aspirations.
Instead, we get to live free from the bondage of self-worship . We’re free–because of Jesus–to live for Christ. We’re free to love Christ by serving others.
You might be thinking, “Wait a minute, this doesn’t sound anything at all like freedom.”
But it is.
Satan wants you to think that the only way to live a happy, comfortable life, is by living for yourself. That’s a lie.
The truth is, when you’ve actually given yourself completely to Christ, when you’ve decided to stop living selfishly and to start living selflessly, there is so much more joy to be had. Remember, you won’t be perfect, but you should start seeing progress toward transformation in your life.
Think of all the joy and pleasure you’ve experienced from living for yourself–now think of that on a whole new level. It’s not even comparable. The joy to be found in living selflessly is on an immeasurably larger scale than the joy you can ever find in living for yourself.
We were made to worship God, created to give him glory. We can choose instead to worship ourselves, but it won’t work well. We were made for the King who humbled himself to the form of a servant and washed his disciples feet. To follow in his footsteps, to know him by obedience to him, is the greatest joy.
Let Jesus Transform Your Life.
If you haven’t yet given yourself up completely to Christ, now’s the time.
Pray sincerely from your heart, “Jesus, I’m tired of living for myself. I’m ready to experience this whole new level of joy in serving you. Take my life, Lord, I give it to you. I’m holding nothing back from you, I’ll go wherever you want me to go, I’ll say whatever you want me to say. I’m all yours. From this point on, help me to live my life completely transformed as I trust you completely with my life. I know I won’t be perfect, because I’m still human. But, thank you for your constant forgiveness of my sins. Help me to be more like you everyday, for your glory.”
If you just prayed that for the first time, or if you just prayed it once again as a reminder to yourself of who you belong to, it’s time for you to take action.
Let Jesus take control of your life and let Him completely transform you. There’s a joy that compares to no other kind of joy when we serve Christ, living wholeheartedly and all out for Him. I hope you choose to experience that joy.
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