The world is changing. The ways we connect, work, and play are changing. This includes how we do or don’t do church. We need knowledge, tools, and skills to “BE” the church in this new reality.
In this blog, we share more of the why, what, and how of "being" the church according to Jesus. This week, we focus on how to change and be transformed.
Transcript - How to Change / Transform
What kind of person do you want to become? How do we really change? Let’s begin with a quick review of our disciple's relational triangle.
Effective disciples need weekly dialogues with other disciples and non-disciples. But, the most vital connection is a daily conversation with Jesus.
Transformation happens when we consistently engage in these activities. So, how can we change within these relationships?
Transformation is a process that Paul outlines in Romans 12.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)
We can work with the Spirit of God as He transforms us. Here’s a formula that helps us cooperate. It's an acronym: O. A. T. O. E. To help you remember, think “oatmeal” and then think “toe.” And wallah! You have OATOE!
Okay. Let's refocus! Think about a change you've made in your life. It can be good or bad, because either way, whether knowing it or not, you used this formula for transformation.
The first step in the process is choosing to...
O - Open your mind to new information. Something outside of ourselves invites us to change. It could be unexpected, like seeing a child in need. Or as constant as God speaking through His commands.
We respond to these invitations by either rejecting that information or...
A - Accept that information as true and relevant in the moment. When we believe this knowledge is helpful, we allow it to reshape our thinking, feelings, and actions.
But, before we go too far, it would be wise to check the source. And that leads to...
T -Trust. Can we trust the source of the new information with our hearts? Is the source reliable? Trustworthy? Safe?
The source could be an injured toddler, a con man, or the creator of the universe. It's up to us to choose who we will trust.
When you find a source that you choose to trust, your next step is to take action to…
O - Obey the information. You respond by thinking, feeling, and behaving in alignment with the new knowledge.
If you see an injured toddler, you stop what you’re doing and try to help. When you recognize a con, you shut it down. If the God of the universe commands you to deny yourself in a specific way, you stop that activity.
How does all this transform us?
We transform when we respond to these little invitations over and over again. We experience the results of our obedience. It has a cumulative effect, whether for good or bad.
So we change by…
Opening our minds, Accepting information as true and relevant,Trusting the source,Obeying the source, andExperiencing the results over time.
“Jesus, fill us with the knowledge of God's will, with all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that we will live a life worthy of You. Amen.”
To join our community and keep up to date, follow us @playstoryeat on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Next Blog: Simple Life-Giving Conversation Plans with Jesus that Work
As we open our hearts and minds to Jesus' direction and act on it, transformation comes supernaturally. Like caterpillars who get transformed by the Creator into beautiful butterflies, we can be transformed by the same Creator to become more like Jesus and a person who is truly free to be what God created us to be. Let’s enjoy the transformation and give Him thanks for making it possible!