Transformation
June 2008

"For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relationship to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. Can't you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do...It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life!"
Galatians 6: 14 & 15

Transformation means going from one thing to another. In a church context, it is the idea that a follower of Christ should be transformed by their beliefs. Their actions and attitudes will change to reflect the new set of ideals. I realized this idea is similar to an exercise routine. We accept our need for change (weight loss, strength, etc) and step out upon a new set of behaviors and thoughts. A successful exercise routine is not a fad diet or a quick fix. It is a lifestyle altering venture where our new patterns dictate our success or failure. One of the many challenges is the amazing adaptability of the human body. Any fitness expert will tell you 2 things. Mix things up, and intensity matters. Over time, the human body will adapt to the routine and your preferred level of intensity. By varying the type and intensity of any exercise, you prevent your body from “becoming comfortable” and will continue to make improvement. We plateau when our bodies adapt, and settle into a nice comfortable routine. At this point, the process of transformation comes to a screeching halt.

For transformation to continue, we must be challenged.

Transformation is a process, not a goal, and it is always painful. Be it physical or spiritual, there is always room for improvement. As Paul writes in Galatians, by Christ we are already new creations. We have been given a life fully capable of embracing the joy of God. We are made in the image of God, for God’s purpose. I pray that you seek out ways to grow in your faith and recognize that our lives are precious gifts. Gifts that, at the core, cry out for God and desire nothing more than to glorify the Creator.

Chris Jones
Director of Sports and Recreation
Playing with a Purpose