Set Yourself Apart

In today's world, society cancels you if you do not conform to the masses. You are labeled a bigot, a racist, a xenophobe, and a misogynist. Societies' lack of tolerance requires us to decide, stand firm in our beliefs or conform. Funny, they call us intolerant.

Transform, not Conform.

Paul told us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2 ESV). By conforming to the masses, we become part of the world. Standing in faith can lead to persecution and suffering. In order to stand in faith, we must be transformed by the Holy Spirit.

What does that mean, transformed? Paul is telling us that the Holy Spirit must change us on the inside. It is not simply switching lists of things to do and not to do. It does not mean we say to ourselves, "Ok, I'm not going to lie, I'm not going to drink alcohol, and I am not going to use drugs, I am not going to lust after anyone, I am going to be a follower of Jesus now. That is not a transformation that is legalism or moralism. We cannot change on our own.

What must happen is, the Holy Spirit leads us to an exposure to the beauty of Jesus Christ. It might be a book, a movie, a friend, a pastor, or a co-worker, but when we see that beauty and realize Jesus is real and alive, it becomes all-consuming. Then it is time for the Holy Spirit to work on the inside of us. The Spirit of Christ then dwells in us, crushing the heart of stone and replacing it with flesh. That is transformation; that is a change at a core level.

The God Behind the Curtain

On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus pulled back the curtain of his humanity, revealing His deity before Peter, John, and James. In Luke 9:28-29 ESV, Luke wrote, "Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white." That is an example of being transformed. When the Holy Spirit transforms us, the Holy Spirit and Jesus change us. Our spirit changes and we as a person are permanently modified. Some people who know us best might see the transformation. I received more than one question about my transformation when Christ saved me.

True Change

My friends, our change is when we truly begin living for Christ. It is not about lists; it is about the heart. As a result of this transformation, we will suffer. When you become a Christian, you should expect to suffer. The reason for the suffering is Satan; he wants nothing more than to destroy your faith.

Brother Job

Look at Job; Job was given over to Satan by God. God suggested Satan test Job. God knew Job was an upright man of God. God beamed over Job because he was such a righteous man. When Job's wife told Job to curse God and die, she was not saying this to be mean. I think she was amazing, given her circumstances. Satan had taken all of her children. Everything Job had provided for her livestock, food, and servants; Satan had destroyed everything. However, Job did not sin with his lips. "But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" ( Job 2:10 ESV). Although Job was angry, he was gentle with his wife. He said you sound like one of the foolish women. In other words, Honey, this is not you speaking but Satan manipulating you. Shall we receive good and not evil? This is a great point Job made.

Not Your Best Life Now

We should not expect wine and roses for the rest of our life when the Holy Spirit transforms us in Christ. On the contrary, we should expect to shoulder the cross while knowing that God will never allow Satan to test us with something we cannot escape. God keeps Satan on a short leash. We saw this in Job as well. "And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." (Job 1:12 ESV). We also see this in Job 2:6 ESV, And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life." God is sovereign; God has control over Satan. In both cases, God told Satan what he was allowed to do and what line he could not cross. It is the same for us. God never will enable Satan to attack us with something we cannot withstand.

Be A Rock

Do not conform to this bizarre evil world, the world of the prince of the power of the air. If you do not know Christ seek Him, He is seeking you. If you do know Him, walk proud and strong in your faith, bearing your armor of the Lord, knowing full well no matter what this world places upon you, you are carried in the arms of the Messiah. Praise to our Savior, Jesus Christ!