“We are being transformed through a joint venture between the Holy Spirit and our own willingness to cooperate with Him. Transformation is a process, and you will find that your relationship with God is determined by your relationship with His Word.”- Chip Ingram
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”- Romans 12:20 (NIV)
Chip Ingram concludes Chapter 6 of Discover Your True Self with the statement that our sins sadden God. Because our sins essentially represent a rejection of His good and perfect will for us.
As a result, God guides us away from our sins – firmly when necessary. Yet, we no longer need to fear His punishment. In addition, Chip notes, things changed for him when he began to grasp that his sinful choices and actions made God sad. Not mad. Hence, sin involves more than simply doing something wrong or crossing a line. Instead, sin’s also personal. Because — after all He’s done for us — sin hurts our Father.
Therefore, Pastor Ingram explains:
“It is often said that God accepts us the way we are but will not leave us that way, and it’s true. He’ll never leave us alone. He’s teaching us how to live as a new creation as His sons and daughters. The Spirit of God dwells inside of us, enabling us to allow Christ to live His life through us by His power. Much of that is our responsibility, but the power comes from Him.”
In conclusion, Chip underscores, God never desires that we live with fear and anxiety. As His children and co-heirs with Jesus, we’re assured of an eternal inheritance. And the Holy Spirit seals us as a downpayment. In other words, the author stresses, we find ourselves unfathomably rich and secure.
Eventually, misbeliefs give way to truth as God is faithful to transform us. However, we must not forget that our thought life authors the person we present to the world. And we engage in a very real battle with Satan, the father of all lies.
Today’s question: What Bible verses support you in the joint venture of transformation? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Shame disguises itself”
