Transformation
The Holy Spirit is God’s investment in us as believers to transform us. Transformation is imperative for the believer because as 2 Corinthians 15:7 says, you are a new creation. Something must evidently change when you give your life to Christ. The Holy Spirit must perform some sort of spiritual surgery on you so that you exhibit His fruit in your character (Galatians 5:22).
Obviously, change does not happen overnight but the longer you walk with the Lord, His characteristics must rub off on you and be seen in you (Galatians 4:19).
Sometimes, people find themselves in a space where they identify that there has been no evident transformation in their lives. Here are a few things I have personally adopted that have propelled the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in my life.
Surrender- the Holy Spirit is never going to forcefully act in a place when He is not welcomed in. We must usher Him into our lives through the avenue of surrendering. After dedicating your life to Christ, you must understand that He is your Lord and Savior. ‘ I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me’ (Galatians 2:20)
Desperation- God diverts His attention to those who earnestly seek Him (Jeremiah 29:12-13)
Desire revelation- You must understand why character transformation is so important as a believer. In John 13:35, Christ made it known that our love for one another will characterise us as His followers and distinguish us from the rest. Revelation always serves as the best fuel for change. Once you understand why, you will fight harder. And this is exactly why Paul prayed earnestly in Ephesians 1:17-18, that the eyes of our understanding may be enlightened and that we may receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Knowing why also produces genuine, long-lasting results.
Humility- pride is the primary thief of transformation or change of any sort. The reason why archaic traditions that hold no transformative power are still implemented in institutions today is solely because those who instituted them have pride and are not humble enough to introduce newness. When it comes to transformation, we must humble ourselves and understand that our sinful nature will cause us to inherit death eternally (Romans 6:23). Accepting this newness in Christ allows us to be intimate with God and we receive eternal life.
Look at the bigger picture- Transformation, at the end of the day, is for the benefit of the individual. When the Holy Spirit begins to change you, He leads you on the pathway of righteousness and holiness. Sin is no longer your lifestyle so it is harder for the devil to access you and destroy your life.
May God grant us the grace to be transformed wholly by His Spirit and may we be living testimonies of the wonder-working power of God so that men and women may see the glory of God.
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