To transform means:
- To make a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character of
- To change (something) completely and usually in a good way
When I grew up years ago, one of my favorite cartoons was Transformers. The only characters’ names that I remember are Optimus Prime and Megatron. The Transformers were robots in disguise. They had the ability to transform from cars, trucks, airplanes, fighter jets and other transportation vehicles, into battle robots. They got around in their machine form, but when it was time to battle, the Transformers would change into their robot form. Their machine form was simple. It was inferior. It didn’t have any effective weapons. It was mainly for transportation. In their machine form, they were vulnerable to defeat and destruction. But when they transformed, they were almost invincible. Weapons couldn’t stop them and punches couldn’t hurt them because they were equipped with everything that they needed to defeat their enemies. The understood that IF they didn’t transform in a timely fashion, they could be in a world of harm and danger. Their enemy was not only out to hurt them, but he was out to destroy them.
We as believers have an enemy out to destroy us as well. The Bible tells us in John 10:10 that “the thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” He’s not looking to fight fair. He’s not looking to play by the rules. He wants to take away your anointing, your favor, your future, your hope, your mind . . . whatever he can take, he’s going to take that AND then some. He runs around making noise like a roaring lion, but in truth, he’s already a defeated foe! He can ONLY do what you allow him to do. If you allow the devil to run your home, he’ll run your home. If you allow him to run your marriage, he’ll run your marriage. If you allow him to run your children, he’ll run your children. If you allow him to take your hope, he’ll take your hope, your joy and your faith. If you allow him to destroy your dreams, he’ll destroy your dreams AND your future. Don’t give room to the devil. The Bible tells us in James 4:7 to “submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” He can only do what you allow him to do!
Our problem as believers today is that we’re too busy fighting with our flesh when the battle is spiritual. Ephesians 6:12 tells us “for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Instead of praying, we’re cursing out our neighbor. Instead of fasting, we’re at the all you can eat buffets. Instead of meditating on His Word, we’re stuck in the reality shows. Instead of fellowshipping with the believers, we’re fellowshipping in the clubs, at the sporting events or in our basements. Your child is not bad, he just needs you to pray and anoint him. People on your jobs are not out to get you, you just need to be a witness and “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). You’re not having a bad day, because it’s the day that the Lord has made, we must rejoice and be glad in it! Our battle is not physical, it’s spiritual. As long as we make it physical, we’ll always come up short. But when we put God in the forefront, who can stand against us? “Greater is he that is in you, than he that’s in the world” (1 John 4:4). My God has never lost a battle. He’s never lost a case. He’s never been defeated. He’s never in doubt. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” (Psalm 23).
Let The Transformation Begin. Let God transform your mind so that you can “think on those things are the lovely” (Philippians 4:8). Let God transform your mind so that “you can do the impossible and see the invisible.” Let God transform your mind so you can understand that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28). Let God transform your mind so that His thoughts are your thoughts and His ways are your ways. Let God transform your mind so that you will know that “all things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23). Let The Transformation Begin, in our homes. Let The Transformation Begin in our relationships. Let The Transformation Begin on our jobs. Let The Transformation Begin in our ministries.
God is ready to do the “exceeding abundantly” things that He desires to perform in our lives. We just have to Let The Transformation Begin!
Yours in Christ,
Elder Eugene C. McCown, Jr.
Pastor, Praise Center Church Of God In Christ
