Yes! You Really Can ChangeSample

Why Is It Impossible to Grow Alone?

Maybe by now you’ve caught the vision that transformation is not a solo act. Changing your attitudes and actions all by yourself is not only not ineffective, but also not biblical.

Think of your new life in Christ as a renovation project. No one starts demolition without first settling on plans and the right contractor. Likewise, your spiritual transformation needs

• Clear design plans for change
• A blueprint (which looks just like Jesus)
• Partnerships with specialists (those with specific spiritual gifts)

Together with those gifted specialists, you tear out the old and you replace it with new, Christ-like features. The process does not do away with you or your individual personality, but it does give you a new identity and purpose.

The point is, you cannot transform alone. You need to have others around you—and you need to share with others as well. That’s actually the way God has set up the Church.

You and every believer have been equipped with gifts to use in the Body of Christ, for the growth of each member. Paul teaches how the Church in made up of a team of leaders, each with specific gifts and functions, for the purpose of equipping every believer to be a minister. The goal? So that we all grow into maturity. So that we all transform!

And here’s the joyful, overarching purpose: “So that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith . . . attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).

Genuine transformation occurs in powerful, supernatural ways when Christians know, understand, and actively use the gifts God has given them. Do you know yours?

One last thought: God does not start a renovation project and then drop it halfway through. He has called you into abundant life (John 10:10), and He will carry on His work in you to completion (Philippians 1:6). Trust that your transformation will continue until you are fully conformed to the blueprint of Jesus!

Reflection:

• How would you say your renovation/transformation project is progressing? 
• Who has God put in your path that can help you on your journey?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the work You’ve started in me. Help me understand how You want me to minister in Your body.