The Transformed Life

by WILLIS, A. G. | Category: N/a | Feb 2005

We stood and watched, fascinated by the skill and creativity of the woodcarver. A rough piece of wood, probably just cast aside as only fit for burning, was being transformed into an object of beauty and worth. Slowly and painstakingly he was chiselling and shaping the wood following the desired pattern. On the bench were some of the tools he was using, sharp chisels of various shapes and sizes, and knives and small scalpels. The skill of the woodcarver was seen in the way he handled the tools to perform the task of shaping the wood into the finished object.

Made in the image of God

In the works of God's creation man stood alone, distinctly different from the animals already created. The divine purpose was to have a creative being with whom He could have fellowship and communion. Man's place in creation is unique. God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (Gen.2:7). God gave man the unique place of having dominion over the living creatures that He had created. Man was made by God in His image and likeness, but sin has marred His handiwork. Yet through His redemptive grace and mercy, His born-again children are predestined to be 'conformed to the image of His Son' (Rom.8:29). What a blessed prospect: 'We know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is' (1 John 3:2).

It is God's desire that, here and now, there should be a transforming of our lives. His hand can guide and shape us. Sometimes the cuts may be deep and penetrating, at other times a gentle removing of the imperfections that spoil and blemish the image. His wisdom is infinite and His love beyond measure. May we know what it is to yield to His touch, so that we become more like Him, our glorious Lord, whose face we soon shall see. The skilled woodcarver had joy and pleasure in his work; we have been created anew by God for His praise and glory.

New creatures in Christ

The transforming process begins with conversion, a new life, a life born from above. The penalty of sin having been dealt with, we each become a new creature in Christ. This transformation affects every part of our lives, our relationship with God as we seek to grow in grace and knowledge, our home life, our service for the Lord and our witness to the world. Our great longing and desire must surely be, to have a deepening appreciation of Christ and become like Him in our daily lives. Much of this process is done as we experience the stillness of God's presence and wait upon Him in prayer. It is often in the secret place that the work of shaping of our lives is done. When Moses came down from the mount after being in the presence of God his face shone. The radiance and glory of God was reflected in his face yet Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him (Ex.34:29). When Stephen stood before those who sat in the council they saw his face as the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). Such was the effect of being in the presence of God.

God is able to transform

God often works in ways that we cannot understand, but His loving hand is moulding the yet incomplete image within us. Difficulties, disappointments and trials may distress and try our faith, but God is able to change and transform lives if we are willing and submissive to Him. The woodcarver was seeking to create an object of beauty and worth. God's great purpose in us, those who have trusted in Christ, is that we should be to the praise of His glory.

'But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord' (2 Cor.3:18).

WILLIS, A. G. | Feb 2005
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