Written by Beliza Kocev, Brazil Coordinator of Iron Rose Sister Ministries
My husband’s current wife is not the same woman he married. Now hold on, it seems like I am talking about two women, but they are both me! Let me explain: we are constantly changing and transforming. The things that happen to us (good or bad), the people we meet, what we hear, and truly anything with which we have contact have an influence on us.
Over time, I have become more sensitive and patient with some things, but also incisive and direct with others. My husband has also changed over time, and we are under the impression that many things that were challenging to us as a couple in the beginning are now smoother because we know each other and work better together, sharing a purpose. The truth is that whether we like it or not, we are gradually transformed, intentionally or spontaneously, and people around us notice these changes just as the rulers, elders, and teachers of the law in Jerusalem did. “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Ac 4:13 NIV).
Peter and John were regular people, but because they were close to Jesus, they were changed into confident and courageous men, aware that the preaching of the gospel was the most important part of their existence, even if it put their lives at risk. From regular fishermen to fishers of men, communion with Jesus transformed them. It is not any different for us — the more time we spend with Christ, the more intense our transformation is.
Before this transformation can be noticed by the people around us, it must happen within us. It starts when we submit ourselves to Jesus, desiring to be more and more like Him. We can’t do it alone. Transformation is not simply a human effort; it is the Holy Spirit working in our hearts. By giving our hearts and lives to Jesus, the Spirit acts within us, changes our values, removes our vices, and makes us more and more like Christ.
Throughout this process, there is something very precious about contemplation. As already mentioned, everything around us has an influence on us and can help or hinder our transformation process— hence the importance of silencing the distractions around us and focusing on our relationship with God. “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2Co 3:18). The word of God gives us the opportunity to know the wonders and power of the Creator, the character and teachings of Jesus, and the miracles and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We have so much to contemplate in order to be transformed.
In what area of your life do you need to grow and develop to be transformed into the likeness of Christ? What thorn do you need to remove to be more like Him?
In what area of your life are you striving to deepen or need someone to help you maintain your commitment to be transformed?
May we maintain the strength and enthusiasm to be transformed, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus until the day of His return. “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Php 1:6).
