June Letter

Trans • formation

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . . “ - Romans 12: 2a

Transformation.

The word is used only three times in the New Testament.

But the truth of transformation, the priority of transformation and the necessity of transformation are a constant theme in the Bible, in Jesus’ life and in His very purpose for the church, His body.

Here is what one Christian writer* said recently about transformation:

“In our managerial age, we instinctively look to ‘leadership principles’ and ‘keys to effectiveness’ to ‘master’ dysfunctional congregations. Some of this arises from a sincere desire to help the church be the church. Yet some of it is . . . vain imagination, thinking that with organization-speak we can transform the church . . . The world is not longing to see more people conformed to the image of organizational man, but to see people transformed into the image of ‘the man Christ Jesus.’ ” (1 Tim. 2:5) (*lChristianity Today, June 2007, p. 27.)

True transformation in the New Testament sense changes our attitudes, our words, our longings, our relationships, our very hearts. By the work of God’s Spirit, coupled with our humble, willing cooperation, we become more like Jesus.

And that is radical. To the glory of God.

I remember a student who aggressively verbalized her frustration with the Christian life. In the wake of other people’s failures – and her own – in a particularly difficult situation, she yelled back something like, “Well, I’m not Jesus, you know. I can’t be perfect.”

Right. We are not Jesus. And we are not perfect, or even close to perfect.

But Jesus came – lovingly and on purpose – to call people just like us to a new life in Him.

And he promises that he will change us to become more and more like Him . . .

. . . if we recognize our need

. . . if we ask Him

. . . if we yield to his Lordship

Anything less than Jesus’ transforming work in us is merely fiddling, rearranging deck chairs on a ship that is headed down.

Here’s the way Jesus Himself put it: “Walk with me and work with me --- watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matt. 11: 29-30, Msg)

Our annual conference (yearly meeting) is only one month away. I am praying that you will be part of our gathering, and that we will experience more and more of the transforming power of our Lord Jesus in our ministry together. We need his trans • formation. For His glory. For our good. And for the blessing of many, many others.

Dr. John P. Williams, Jr.
General Superintendent, EFC-ER

*Christianity Today, June 2007, p. 27.