And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Transforming Or Conforming
Rejected by someone you care about?
Some people would rather have a $100 counterfeit bill than a $1 actual bill.
Do I need to change? I certainly hope so! (I am pretty sure others close to me know, so ;-)
Change is an ongoing part of God's transformation of us into His Son's image.
Some of these changes come through circumstances, environments, and relationships.
I love Max Lucado's statement, "God loves me just the way I am, and so much He doesn't want me to stay this way."
That is how a healthy relationship between two people is designed to be.
We need to accept others just the way they are and, as God leads, be the person God can use to transform the other's life.
Conforming to the image we think we need to be, or worse yet, an image someone else thinks we need to be, is not a real change.
It is counterfeit.
It is living outside of who God has designed you to be, and you cannot fulfill the destiny He has desired for you.
It is handicapping you by trying to run a race with leg irons.
So, ask God if the request that others are making on you is His request to move you closer to dependence upon Him and the transformation He desires for your life.
Or is it someone else's (including your own) request to conform to what they think you should be or do for them?
If you ask, God will show you the truth and give you the courage to draw near the flame that refines—leading to a fundamental transformation, not a counterfeit change.
Lord, You are the Vinedresser; do with us as You desire that we may bear much fruit! Amen