CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST

CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST

Have you ever become frustrated at the seemingly slow pace of progress or change in your life?  In this era of ‘microwave mentality,’ it is sometimes challenging to wrap our minds around the fact that GOD WORKS THROUGH PROCESS.  In other words, the changes HE institutes in our lives are often implemented over extended periods of time, through a multitude of life experiences.  Bottom-line: We cannot always trace God’s hand, but we must consistently trust His heart and His plan.

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson.  Each morning, Grandpa rose early and sat at the kitchen table reading his old worn-out Bible.  His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him any way he could.  One day the grandson said, “Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book.  So what good does reading the Bible do for me?”

The grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.”  The boy did just as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back home.

The grandfather laughed and said, “You will have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home.  Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was “impossible to carry water in a basket,” and he went to get a bucket instead.  The old man insisted, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water.  You can do this.  You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he watched from the window as his grandson attempted to please him again.

But at that point, the boy knew it was impossible, and he just wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got very far at all.  The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.  Out of breath, he wheezed, “See Papa, I told you that it’s useless!”

“So you think it is useless?” the old man said.  “Look down at the basket.”  The young lad examined the basket and for the first time realized that it looked quite different.  Instead of the dirty old coal basket he had first received, the one he held in his hands was now completely clean.

“Son, that’s what happens when you read the Bible.  You might not understand or remember everything right away, but if you keep on reading, IT WILL SURELY CHANGE YOU…FROM THE INSIDE OUT.”

That is the work of The Father in our lives.  He changes us from the inside out, slowly transforming us into the image of His Son. (Romans 8:29)  Therefore, we must resist the temptation to become exasperated or frustrated by the cadence and content of our change.  Ultimately, we are in the hands of The Master Potter and we will be fashioned into the finished product that pleases Him and edifies His Kingdom. (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

The Apostle Paul sums it up succinctly for us: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Let the change begin…and let the Changer have His way in the process!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!