What Does a Transformed Life in Christ Look Like?
Looking for examples of life transformation in contemporary Christianity can get confusing sometimes.
Some people in the modern church proclaim that they have the love of Jesus in their hearts. But when you hear how they speak to others, you begin to think that the love must be buried way down in there. Or they might need to send missionaries from their heart to their mouths. Their words sound less like tools for building others up and more like verbal demolition crews.
On the other hand, when some talk about how Jesus changed their lives, they remind you of a distorted version of how Mr. Rogers changed his sweater and sneakers. They smile a lot and call people “neighbor,” but underneath their “Sunday clothes,” they’re still wearing the same spiritual clothes as Friday night.
But here’s the good news: imperfect, broken, and sinful people are welcome in the church – that includes us all. We don’t have to dramatically change our lives before Jesus Christ accepts and loves us. In fact, Jesus accepts us amid our sins and imperfections. But he also loves us too much to allow us to remain the same.
Colossians 3:5-17 presents a clear picture of the life transformation that challenges us to go beyond superficial behavioral changes as we grow in our relationship with Christ.
Taking Off the Old Self
As our relationship with Jesus progresses, he opens our eyes to how the sins we cling to prevent us from holding on to him. Guilt and shame from our past stand in the way of our path to understanding his grace and mercy. The lies we believe about ourselves drown out his voice as he calls us beloved.
Intentionally and daily surrendering our old ways of living, thinking, and feeling frees us to embrace the new identity of holiness God calls us to.
Putting On the New Self
If we view our faith only as a list of sins to stop doing, sooner or later, we’ll find ourselves wearing the same “old self clothes.” True transformation happens when we receive our new identity from Christ, replace our old spiritual wardrobe, walk with a new attitude, and think with a renewed mind.
1. New Identity
As believers, we are God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12). Our new identity in Christ gives us a sense of belonging and purpose. Our past mistakes or sins no longer define us, but by our relationship with Christ.
2. New "Clothes"
Just as we put on clothes daily, we are called to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These virtues will characterize our interactions with others, reflecting the love and grace of Christ (Colossians 3:12).
3. New Attitude
A transformed life in Christ involves a new way of relating with others. We are called to bear with one another, forgive as the Lord forgave us, and above all, love one another in perfect unity. The peace of Christ will rule our hearts, guiding our actions and decisions (Colossians 3:13-15).
4. New Mind
Finally, we must cultivate a new mindset characterized by gratitude, wisdom, and worship. The richness of Christ’s word within us will shape our thoughts and actions and keep us focused on him (Colossians 3:15-17).
Warning:
Radical life transformation in a relationship with Jesus Christ does not happen overnight. Instead, he invites us to live it one day at a time, unlearning the old way of life and learning the new.
But beware! A life lived faithfully in relationship with Christ may lead to such blessings as:
Freedom from the bondage of rock bottoms and lowest moments
Generational curse broken
Families reconciled and restored
Marriages revitalized from the brink of divorce