Becoming Transformed

I beseech you therefore, brethren,

 by the mercies of God, that ye present 

your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, 

acceptable unto God, which is your 

reasonable service. And be not conformed

 to this world: but be ye transformed 

by the renewing of your mind, that ye 

may prove what is that good, 

and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:1-2

     Before I begin, I must apologize for not being able to write yesterday as I had an appointment with the surgeon to consult as to when the surgery will take place. We decided to wait another six months so that I can prepare my body to ensure a better outcome. So I wait.

     Do you feel that your life, even your thoughts, your actions do not reflect Jesus Christ as it should? Do not lose heart! God is in the transforming business! Only God can change you from the inside/out. Yes, you have a part in this by studying God's word, praying, and applying the commands and precepts of God. The very fact that you may feel that this is impossible, yet are attempting to change from the inside/out is a sure sign that you have Authentic Christian Faith. While God is in the transforming business He will not transform a person who does not want to be transformed, rather they will remain in their helpless state making it to be their reality. This is self-deception and an enemy of practical, that is your everyday exercise of your faith. We need not be alone in this struggle so it is very helpful to have others Christians and a relationship with them and by them you can receive from them valuable appraisal of your true state of your life. We have a mirror by which we can measure ourselves and this is the Bible. For instance: if the Bible says do it: do it! If the Bible says not to do it: do not do it! Example: if the Bible says to be humble, are you humble? If the Bible says to be diligent as in your secular work: are you diligent? Through the mirror, that is the Bible, the Holy Spirit can reveal to you whether or not you are fulfilling God's commands. Outside influences determine much of our character and that reflects upon our actions, so we must allow Jesus Christ to influence us creating in us His character, and by that character you will exercise your faith, and this aid you in this fight, this good fight. 

     The world, its culture, is a major influence upon each person, so then, we must keep our eyes on the world around us for by this we will see what is this worldly culture. This aids us to not become engrossed, trapped, in its culture. The world is cruel, inconsiderate, this is a fact of this world. We can see the world through our eyes of Authentic Christian Faith. We must remember that there is a danger that is always imminent: "above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16). We keep a careful eye and our understanding about this world, its culture, it opposition to God, we should then by moved to compassion and action. Yes, we can be compassionate, especially towards those who come into our congregations, attempting to leave the world behind them and are fighting the darts of this world, and by this we take action to aid them. This too can help us to witness to others outside of our Church, to be a good citizens, to be an Authentic Christian. If this is true of you, one searching to be an Authentic Christian, God is transforming you. 

     The world around us often is philanthropic, good deeds are done even without godly motivation, even have merit. True: but this does not earn them favor from God. All the praise a man or woman receives in this life is their reward in full. Authentic acts, that is true faith, Authentic Christian Faith, flow from the heart devoted to God. Authentic Christians are governed by a simple desire: to know God, to do His will, and by this glorify God. This is the motivation that Authentic Christians have so that whatever is done is not for themselves alone, yes this person may receive recognition, but the motivation is not for self-recognition, but originates from God and for God. Knowing this then, you will be helped to not fall from grace, to be trapped by the culture of this world, to not start out on the right, with the right motivation, only to be seduced to do things that this world desires, applause of man. 

The fear of man bringeth a snare;

     but whoso putteth his trust

in the LORD shall be safe.

                Proverbs 20:25

Get out your mirror

Richard L. Crumb