Transformed

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

– Romans 12:2

Early followers of Jesus were called Little Christs because their new-found faith had changed their lives for all to see. This odd group of people from all walks of life — rich and poor, male and female, and slave and free — was utterly different from the rest of society. They had somehow grown more generous and caring to both neighbors and strangers alike. And they willingly sacrificed their time and resources for others to ease sorrow and correct injustice.

In a word, they were transformed.

This says much for the effectiveness of their leader, Jesus. He was an obscure rabbi from a distant corner of the Roman Empire, who just happened to be God's own Son. Few recognized it at the time. But because some did follow him in faith, millions in future generations would help change the world for the better.

Modern-day Christ-followers are likewise transformed to live out Christ's words and deeds through their dealings with society. And they recognize that Jesus the leader was also Jesus the follower. That’s because Christ spoke constantly with his Father (God) in prayer and always sought his guidance. 

"I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing," explained Jesus, "because whatever the Father does the Son also does."

Jesus also knew that he had just a few years to save mankind. And it was in this brief period that he preached God's word, healed the sick, raised the dead, and forgave sins. He even asked his Father to forgive his own executioners because they didn't realize what they were doing.

Jesus changed the world 2,000 years ago. But can his Church — that's everyone who claims him as their Lord and Savior — still make a difference in the 21st century? It can if the past is any indication. In fact, it's because of the Church that the world has benefited from science, hospitals, universities, and agriculture. The Church also led the call to abolish slavery. And as modern-day Christ-followers, we're still to follow his admonition to be salt and light to a dying world in need of guidance, truth, and character.

The skeptics and naysayers are watching us. So, may the Church continue to show them its transformational love in action.