Transformational!@love.God

Friday, January 28, 2000

VERSE:
   We proclaim Him [Christ], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
    -- Colossians 1:28, New International Version
       <http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Colossians+1:28>

THOUGHT:
   Perfect?  I know what that means.  Can I be perfect?  What an intriguing thought.  The answer to such a question is yes.  How?  Grace.  Grace is best understood in a couple of different "parts".  First we have the grace that is.  Some call it "Preventing Grace"  This grace is in our life and it "prevents" us from not knowing God.  It is the Grace that calls us, beckons us to respond to God's tugging at our heart.  As we respond to God, it is the "Justifying" Grace that builds or rebuilds the relationship God calls us to.  As we grow in our faith and our relationship with God, we are able to undergo transformation and change within our own lives, our very being.  This is made possible by God's "Sanctifying" or "Perfecting" Grace.  It is by this activity in our life, that while we may not be perfect, we are perfected in love, seeking to do what is right and just.  Our hearts, being transformed, do God's will, here, now.

    This gift of Grace is offered to us through the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, the Christ.  As the Holy Spirit works within you, understand you will be transformed, for the life of Jesus was transformational.  The resurrection of Jesus is transformational.  The Gospel of Jesus is transformational.  Jesus' gift of the Spirit is transformational.  The proclamation of Jesus is transformational. The work of Jesus is transformational.  Therefore, Paul reminds the church in Colossae that as Christ is the focus in our life, His transforming power will bring to light God's Peace and Perfect us in Love.

PRAYER:
   Father, thank You for Your Gift in my life, for Your Grace and Your Love.  Please empower me to live the life You make available.  Allow Your love to consume my very being.  Refocus me when I sometimes lost sight of Jesus' power to change lives, when I try to rely on my own power.  As I seek to know Christ more perfectly and as I seek to be more like Christ in my daily character, please use me to lead others to him and to be like him.  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the name above all names, I pray. Amen.