For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭22‬-‭24‬
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

We have seen many transformation reality shows on TV over the last 20 years or so: Extreme Home Makeover, Biggest Loser, Overhaulin’, where a car is transformed into a custom masterpiece. For these transformations to occur, it takes a master craftsman to envision what these homes in disrepair, overweight bodies, and broken down cars could be, with enough work. Then it takes specialized craftsmen, capital, resources, and time to bring about the transformation into a masterpiece.

This is like what happens spiritually to our minds and hearts when we wholehearted surrender to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. What happens is a transformation of sorts. Sometimes this means that walls need to be knocked down, engines replaced, and diets enacted. With a life under the control of Jesus Christ, there are changes to how we speak, think, and spend our time. There are different priorities and goals that start to replace the selfish ones we used to have. And there is a heart-level relationship with God that begins to build.

This world and its celebrities and rulers who do not follow God glory in their shame and consume and live for pleasure today. They do not see life from an eternal perspective or rewards from a heavenly mindset. However, with the transformation Jesus brings, we begin to grow in our ability to see the world as he sees it.

We see people deeply, into their needs, their worries, and their fears. And we care about them much deeper than we used to. This care turns into action, as motivated by God’s Spirit. This action motivated by love is a symbol or a reflection of God working through us.

We start living a new life. Not a life, focused on ourselves, but a life focused on bringing glory to God. And once we leave the old, sinful life, this new life is far greater in its fulfillment. Joy replaces heartache. Love takes over for fear.

I love you, Lord. Thank you for the transformation that you’ve been working in my life over the last 48 years. Looking back, tears come to my eyes — tears of joy. You have taken a broken and needy man and transformed me into a powerful spiritual warrior. It is all by your grace. The power to conquer sin, death, the Devil and his demons, comes from you. Praise you in the highest!