“Don’t Conform . . . Be Transformed!”
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, . . . Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1a, 2)
Gaining an understanding of how the transfiguration of Jesus came about, what it meant to the three disciples who witnessed it, and what it means to Christians today involves wading into pretty deep theological waters. The Gospels provide us with nearly identical accounts of this amazing event, and how Peter, James and John were overwhelmed at such a miraculous sight. Beyond that, it would appear that being on that mountain was a profound experience that strengthened and inspired these disciples throughout their ministries.
The words transfigured and transformed are sometimes used interchangeably or in an overlapping fashion, but I decided to take a look in the dictionary to see what I could learn. I’d assumed each word had a distinctive meaning, and that was what I discovered. Transfiguration is a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state, originating as a religious term and applied almost exclusively to Jesus. Transformation is a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance, as in metamorphosis; to be transformed is to change completely in a good way. The classic example is the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly.
As Paul wrote to the church of Rome, he spoke of the importance of not conforming to the values of the world, along with the work of being transformed daily to understand God’s will. The pressures of everyday life to conform to the values and behaviors of the world are pervasive and unrelenting. And yet Paul is emphatic about the crucial nature of keeping our focus, daily being transformed so that we are in harmony with the will of God. Paul goes on to speak of the importance of the various gifts the members bring to the community, as believers support one another.
Next week, Christians around the world will observe Ash Wednesday as the season of Lent begins. We were privileged to go up the mountain with Jesus, and now we are invited to go on the Lenten journey with him. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and continue to transform into a faith community and individuals who follow God’s will. Through every season of the year, we have the eternal promise of Christ, that forgiveness is ours through his grace, the gift freely given. Through him we are transformed and made able to serve him as we are called.
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers
A PSALM FOR ASH WEDNESDAY (Psalm 51:1)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.