“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind ...” - Romans 12:2 (NIV)
There is no greater transformation than when something dead comes back to life. It’s extremely dramatic, and it’s exactly what happened in John 11 when Jesus called for Lazarus to come out of the tomb.
Having died four days before, Lazarus’ decomposition process would have been in full swing, producing a horrible appearance and rotten smell. When he stood up and began to walk—still in his grave clothes—the crowd was probably both horrified and amazed! After re-moving the clothes, they witnessed a man full of life who just days before was fully dead. Lazarus was transformed from death to life.
Some transformations, like the miracle of Lazarus, take place immediately. But many more happen over time as a result of small decisions that add up to big change. I’ve heard stories of drug addicts set free in a single moment with no trace of withdrawal and no temptation to re-turn. But there are countless recovering alcoholics who remain sober only through decisions made one day at a time. Regarding health, food and exercise, we can’t be transformed from poor to great shape instantly. It only happens when a series of small decisions over time mul-tiply on top of one another and result in big, life-changing results.
If we want to change our life, we need to change our thoughts. Most transformation happens first in our minds. Romans 12:2 says, if we want to be transformed, we need to change the words we think and say. These words have directional power in our lives; what we think be-comes what we say, and what we say becomes what we do.
Many of us never experience lasting transformation with our health because we sabotage ourselves with “stinkin’ thinkin’.” Our thoughts smell as bad as Lazarus after four days in the tomb. We think and speak words that drive our actions toward death and defeat. We’ll find true change far too overwhelming unless we’re diligent in recognizing and correcting every negative and self-defeating thought.
True transformation always rubs off on others. Lazarus’ resurrection from the grave not only changed him; it changed others. Most importantly, it brought praise and glory to Jesus. The crowds who came to see Jesus also wanted to see Lazarus (John 12:10-11), and people came to faith because of what they saw. They couldn’t stop talking about what Jesus had done.
When you start to make decisions about food and exercise that result in better body image, sustained energy and a more optimistic attitude, other people will notice. When those who know you best can actually see the change, they’ll start to believe that maybe you’re onto something and will want what you have.
It’s never too late to change. Sometimes we get so discouraged with our current circum-stances that we believe change is impossible. We have tried and failed so many times that we lose hope. And, truthfully, our willpower alone will never be enough to bring lasting change. We need “Spirit power.”
“’Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.’” -John 11:21-22
When we show faith and invite Jesus into our area of greatest need, He can change every-thing.
Close the gap. When we see the gap between our “real” and “ideal,” it’s easy to get discouraged. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? We know we want to feel better, but we’re stuck feeling sick and tired. We know we want to look healthier, but the mirror keeps telling us to give up. We know we want to have the energy to give our best to our work and family, but we just can’t seem to stay on track. No matter how discouraged you are, don’t give up. Send for Jesus, take a step, and take off your grave clothes. Get rid of the things that are holding you back and walk in new life!
Keep the Change! Transformation is not a one-time thing; it’s an all-the-time, everyday thing. You will have to battle to keep the change you make. Otherwise, you’ll go up and down like a yo-yo. Remember, small decisions lead to big change. And small decisions every day help you keep the change.
God wants us to be transformed and glorify Him in all areas of our lives. It is our spiritual act of worship. When you are transformed, others are likely to follow. So take the first step. Make a change. And get rid of everything that is holding you back!
--This article appears in the September/October 2014 issue of FCA Magazine. To view the issue in its entirety digitally, click here: Sept/Oct 2014 Digital
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