Radical Transformation

And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  -Matthew 18:3

The Sunday school class was interrupted by the man who arrived late.  The teacher had just welcomed everyone and was going over some announcements when the door opened and John (not his real name) entered the room.  I had been inviting John to church for a number of weeks, but he had not shown up until that morning.  To say that John’s life was a mess is a gross understatement.  His life was an utter shambles.  John was an addict, an alcoholic, had been arrested, and had for a time been prostituting himself in exchange for drugs.  He had been fired from a number of jobs as a result of his addiction and during a recent conversation he confided in me that he was seriously considering suicide.  I implored John not to give up, to seek out professional help, and by all means put his faith in God.  When he walked into the Sunday school class that morning my spirits rose as did my hopes.  John just might make it after all.

John stood in stark contrast to the other adults gathered for Bible study that morning.  John wore faded blue jeans and a ragged shirt which looked slept in the previous night.  His eyes were bloodshot; his unshaven face pale, and his long hair was going all directions.  The time came for prayer requests.  John sat quietly and listened to the needs being shared around him.  He then raised his hand and indicated he would like to share a request.  He confessed that he had a drug problem and that he was going to try, with God’s help, to be delivered from his addiction.  John began to roll up his sleeves as he spoke.  He then held his arms out for the class to see.  From his wrists to his upper biceps were needle tracks from extended heroin use.   John stated that in the previous hours he had thrown away his needles resolving to never use them again.  “As long as I am a drug addict I can’t be right with God,” he said.  “I have to change.”  

John was right; absolutely and unequivocally correct.  He would never reach his full potential or experience the happiness that could be his until he made the radical change of abandoning the drugs that enslaved him.   Despite the efforts of numerous people who tried to help John overcome his addiction, he eventually left the area and was not heard from again.  But I will never forget his comment regarding the need for radical change in his life.  Unfortunately, John is representative of countless people who are in a similar condition.  Ultimately the only solution is radical change brought about through faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus was clear on the point that entering into the kingdom of God requires that a change take place. Following Christ involves a transformation.  The mindset of being a follower of Christ, yet staying just as before, is contrary to the call that Jesus extends.  Transformation connotes a change so radical that the person is rendered nearly unrecognizable to his or her former self.  All aspects of life are affected.  Nothing is spared.  Undesirable habits are discarded, outlook becomes forward focused, attitude is improved, communication becomes positive, compassion is developed and demonstrated, and love for God and others becomes preeminent.   

The problems and circumstances you are facing may not be as dramatic as John's, but no doubt there are issues in your life that only faith in God can resolve.  The gospel call of Jesus Christ is to come to Him and be changed - for the better.  Be transformed into a new creation in the Lord.  The call goes out to all people from all walks of life: To the alcoholic, the drug addict, the thief, the adulterer, and to the one who has been dealt terrible blows by the trials of life.  The call comes to you and me.

Respond to the call of God and find new life in Jesus Christ.  Do not give up.  There is still hope in the Lord.