Transformer or Transformed?

20130215-225157.jpg

Transformers. What a strange world it would be if those things were real!

But, wait a minute. This IS a strange world! So maybe…

I wonder what my Outback does at night. Does it change into a super hero or a villain? What super power does it possess? Is the vehicle/transformer covered in the standard vehicle maintenance program?

I don’t know. Maybe Transformers aren’t real. I mean, I’ve seen a number of tractor trailers on the highway and have even ridden in a few. Not once did I ever see one of them pose for a picture like the one shown in this post.

But transformers ARE real! Just different than the ones shown on the silver screen.

Really? Really!

The Apostle Paul wrote about them in 2 Corinthians 11…”For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NKJV)

I noticed something recently about these “transformers”. Their transformation entails donning a costume, a mask, a disguise. In fact, the Greek word used for “transform” in this passage means “to disguise”. Notice they disguise, transform, themselves. They are attempting to APPEAR to be something they really aren’t. Why? To deceive, to trick, to confuse. Their heart doesn’t change just because they wear a disguise.

Ultimately, false apostles, deceitful workers, even Satan himself has one goal. To steal, kill, and destroy.

A “transformer’s” life and ministry is purely selfish. It’s all about them. It’s not about serving, it’s about being served. They don’t live to give. Rather they see how much they can take from others. Other people’s money, time, affection, etc.; and it takes a lot to keep a transformer happy.

On the other hand, there IS a transformation that takes place in the life of someone who is determined to know God. Really know Him!

They don’t try to disguise themselves, acting like they’re someone different than they really are. They are attempting to follow Paul’s admonition…”And do not be 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 12:2 NKJV)

Notice a couple of things. First, they don’t transform themselves. The transformation that happens is a result of embracing and submitting to the Word of God. Yes, they want to be different than the world, but not just while in public. They want to know the will of God; the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.

Second, the Greek word translated “transformed” is different than the other one discussed. This one means “to morph”, change into a different form.

The world doesn’t really need Transformers, or people disguised as the righteous. It DOES need people who will allow the Word of God, the Love of God, and Peace of God to TRANSFORM them. The world needs THE REAL DEAL, not impostors.

People who have been, or who are being, transformed by God, make an eternal difference in their world.

They may not be able to fly, shoot flames from their legs, or do anything like in the movies…but they’ll please God.

So be transformed…

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s

%d bloggers like this: