Inspiring Transformations
By Karen D’Amore
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature:
the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
After instituting a variety of lifestyle changes, I’ve recently undergone an extreme physical transformation due to significant weight loss. At first glance, clients and acquaintances who hadn’t seen me in a while...didn’t recognize me. Before and after pictures chronicled the vast difference between the old me and the new me! As those in my inner community have witnessed my transformational process, many have expressed being inspired by those changes. Desirous and curious about the process leading to my physical transformation, they’ve asked, “What’s your secret?”
After repeatedly hearing the words inspire/inspiration, I contemplated those things which inspire us. I concluded that we’re generally inspiredby those “things” we find appealing or desirable! Witnessing the transforming power of Jesus in an old friend is what inspired me to desire the same for myself. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines inspire/inspiration using words like “to move, spur on...the act of influencing.”(1) When you think about it, we all have the capacity toinspire or influence those around us.
As Christ-followers, knowing the value of spiritual transformation, we must be cognizant of our role as inspirers. As “new creatures...in Christ”...how are our transformed lives influencing those around us? Are we reflecting Jesus in a way that inspires others to want Him in their lives? With the awareness that physical transformation stems from discipline and personal efforts...we recognize that spiritual transformation is the result of surrender to the Almighty Transformer! By yielding to the power of the Spirit within us, He changes us from the inside out.
With conversion being the prerequisite for transformation, an encounter with Jesus should never leave a person unchanged! The new “creature” should look radically different than the old, with the believer’s mindset, priorities, and choices all reflecting that change. And through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the spiritually transformed life should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Scripture exhorts us to “...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16b). As Christ-followers, our transformed lives should perpetually radiate and reflect the glory of God. And as we reflect the Light of Jesus, may others be inspired to want what they see in our spiritually transformed lives. Let us each aspire to be...Spiritual Inspirers...stirring others to ask, “What’s your secret?!”
GOING DEEPER:
- Are there areas of your “old life” that need to undergo the Spirit’s transformation?
- Pray that others will be inspired by your spiritual transformation and seek a relationship with the Almighty Transformer.
FURTHER READING:
Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.
