Transforming
Lives
Follow my example, as I follow the
example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1
“I wish Gary would just let God
transform his life,” Bryce said to Heather. “If he would just
surrender to Jesus things would be so much better.”
Heather chose her words carefully, “But
is pointing out his mistakes and misery what God wants, or what you
want?”
Bryce really wanted his friend to
experience what he had found in Christ. “Well, somebody's gotta
show him the error of his ways!” Bryce countered. “How else is he
gonna figure it out?”
“You’re not Gary’s holy spirit,
Hon,” Heather reminded him. “It’s not your job to point out
what Gary should or shouldn’t do. It’s your job to live a
transformed life so he sees that the change in you is genuine, and
you are content in this new life. Just try to be a godly example for
him to follow.”
“I know you’re right,” he
admitted. “But it’s so hard watching him continue to do the
things that used to cause strife in our lives.”
“He’ll get it quicker if you don’t
push. Just keep living it out in front of him each day. If you
remember,” she reminded, “it took you awhile to give up doing
things your way.”
†
When we get saved there is a temptation
to become sidewalk prophets, to point out everything our saved and
unsaved friends do wrong. We might even believe we are doing them a
favor. But, it is not our job to transform lives. Our job is to live
a transformed life that points people in Jesus’ direction.
There was and is no greater witness to
the transforming power of Jesus Christ than the hated ‘Saul’
championing the deity, dominion, and sovereignty of Jesus Christ.
And as Paul instructs, we are to follow
Jesus and lead by example, not beat them over the head with our
theology. One offends and separates, the other fosters curiosity.
Living godly lives and answering questions is what Jesus instructs us
to do. If we will simply follow His lead Jesus will do the
transforming.
Prayer
“Guide me, Lord Jesus,
to live a transformed life, allowing those around me to see a
difference that is inviting and real. Help me to not give unsolicited
advice. Amen.”
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