Conformed, Reformed, or Transformed? (3)
February 18th, 2007Moses moved along the way in his relationship with God and his people. While in Egypt, Moses lived a life of conformity. He was raised to be royalty and knew the power of Egypt. He even used his power to kill an Egyptian overseer. That is the way of the world - “might makes right.”
However, after he was “discovered” for his crime, he spent forty years reforming. He lived in the wilderness, tending his father-in-law’s sheep. No longer the powerful one, he learned meekness. His life was changed, he was doing new things.
Then, he received his call from God. It was a special calling with a bush that burned but was not consumed by the fire. Here God made him remove his shoes (a sign of slavery) and challenged him to lead his people out of their Egyptian nightmare. It was quite an ordeal to get Moses “onboard” with God.
Moses was now transformed into something greater than he ever had imagined himself to be. Moses had encountered God - on God’s terms and it completely changed his life. He was not just doing new things, he was a new man.
On other occasions, Moses would go up the mountain into the presence of God. Sometimes he would plead for his people, sometimes he would hear God’s direction. When he would come down to the people he glowed with the glory of God, so much that the people required a veil for his face. The presence of God even transformed his appearance!
What about us? Conformity is the easy way. This requires no dreaming, no thinking, no effort, no energy, just “rocking along.” Reform requires more. It is changing outward behavior. It does require some effort and some thought. There is a better way.
Transformation occurs when we come into the presence of God and allow him to change who we are, not just what we do. When we are transformed into the image of Christ, we look and act differently. God becomes the center of our lives, not just an “add on.” We devote ourselves to him and life is new.
Where are you? Are you Conformed, Reformed or, Transformed?
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene (greene.perry@gmail.com)
