Are You Growing? Part 2

Sep 28

Three More Marks of Transformation

This is my second blog post based on Gordon McDonald’s article, Marks of a Transforming Christian, here are the final three marks he writes about. You can read a fuller version at: http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2012/summer/transformedchristian.html The transforming Christian…..

Is eager and ready to express the content of their faith. There’s a difference between times when you “do evangelism” and expressing your faith in the events and encounters of everyday life. Both are valid. But the transforming Christian prays for “divine opportunities,” to reveal their faith and show their devotion to Christ in natural ways.

Overflows with thankfulness. And that implies being prone to cheerfulness. Some of us need to learn to intentionally practice thankfulness. The transforming person walks through the day looking for things to be thankful for. With each expression of thanks, they put value on what someone (or God himself) has done.

Has a passion for reconciliation. They bring people together rather than perpetuating or creating division. They hate war, violence, contentiousness and division. They are stirred into action by injustice and meanness against human beings who are uniquely made and loved by God.

The Christian who is being transformed has his eye on the one that others have ignored.He lifts the fallen one, and elevates the insignificant one. He knows his natural human tendency and seeks God’s power to replace it with another tendency: redeeming, healing love. With division everywhere, I’m praying that all of us who claim the name of Christ will show these marks of His work in us. Has God spoken to your heart through these challenging words? I’d love to read your comments. Blessings, Poppy SmithInternational speaker, multi-published author, Bible teacher, and spiritual coach