Skip to main content

Transformed

I was curious, so I googled how long it takes to build a skyscraper. I got answers that varied significantly. Some said 1 year and others said 5 years with the average being 3 years. One article suggested that the Empire State building took 13 months to build back in 1931. Regardless of the exact timeline, the pathway to transforming a skyline is lengthy. It just doesn't happen overnight. 

The Christ the Redeemer Statue forever changed the landscape of Rio de Janeiro. It was built on top of Mount Corcovado over the course of 5 years. Standing 98 feet, it is the tallest Art Deco sculpture in the world. It is considered one of the new 7 Wonders of the world. The Catholic church funded the project as an initiative to build a monument in a city that was considered “godless”. I’m not sure if the statue impacted people’s choice to follow Jesus, but it certainly transformed the landscape of the city.

Whether building skyscrapers or wonders of the world, you have to start below the ground. A solid foundation must be formed. Upon which the structure will be developed. Step by step it begins to take form. Along the way it may not look like much and certainly won’t look like the finished product. The transformation from dirt to skyscraper or statue is simply remarkable. 

In Romans 12:2 Paul says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” God is in the business of transforming. As we relinquish our illusion of control and the world's empty promises, God builds in us. He is transforming us from the inside, so that His masterpiece may be on display. 

This transformation doesn’t happen overnight. While the skyscraper may take 5 years to be transformed, our transformation will last a lifetime. The foundation is built as we accept Jesus into our lives. The building happens through our worship as a community of believers, by studying the Bible, being with fellow believers, and our spiritual disciplines. As He builds, we are transformed and become a light in the darkness of this world.

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Right In Front of Me

There is one character in the story of the night of Jesus' arrest that sticks out. He seems insignificant to what is happening. He’s almost an interruption in the story. He is only mentioned by name in one of the four gospels, even though the description of what occurred is in all four gospels.  Malchus is his name. He works for the people who want Jesus dead. His job, with his compadres, is to seize Jesus and bring him back to the high priest. There he would be subject to questioning, a trial of sorts.  As Malchus and his posse are approaching, Peter takes action to protect Jesus. “With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear” (Matthew 26:51). Jesus immediately tells Peter and the rest of his disciples to stop with the violence.  I wonder what Malchus thought at this point. I imagine his was in shock, I would guess he was surprised. He had just been attacked and surely is bleeding ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Glow Differently

I saw this quote recently, “You glow differently when your confidence is fueled by belief in yourself instead of validation from others.” I found myself wrestling with it. I completely agree with the concept that the validation of my worth is not established by the thoughts of others. While I think a positive self image is important, I do not think that it is what really makes me “glow differently.” I hope I glow differently because of whom I believe in, rather than what I believe of myself.  The author of Titus says, “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7) . Love and kindness entered the world in the form of a m...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pray for Me

I struggle with praying for myself.  I have no problem setting aside time to read the Bible.  No problem setting aside quiet time to pray for the needs of others.  I pray for our prayer list at church, for my family, friends, family of friends, those I have the opportunity to serve, and those who simply ask for me to pray for rhem. Let me share a little secret, for many years I have had a career working in athletics.  This means I hear the national anthem more often than the normal person. I don't sing the national anthem.  Not because I am not patriotic, but because it gives me a chance for a brief moment of quiet in the storm.  I spend that time with my Father in heaven.  I pray for the health and safety of the participants.  I pray for the coaches that they may lead in a way that Jesus would be proud. I pray for the officials and their discernment. I pray often and for many others.  When it comes to me, I just seem to glance ov...
Post a Comment
Read more