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God’s purpose and working for the believer is an “extreme makeover”. This makeover is not an instantaneous act but a lifetime of moment by moment transformation. It is thorough and starts from inside out. The mirror of this extreme makeover will reflect:
Eph. 4:20-24 At the heart of the change is a Christ-centred life. All that the believer has heard and been taught about Jesus Christ, he is to be likewise. His mind, attitude and affections are no longer far from God but are centred on Jesus Christ and His ways. Daily, his desire is to live a life worthy of the Lord, please the Father in every way, bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10). It is a fearful thought that the believer can be led in subtle ways to live a life without concern for personal standards or social sanctions, much less full obedience to the Bible. Wanting to exert independence and personal rights is an easy excuse for straying away from what he has heard and been taught about Jesus Christ. We must always be alert to watch out against doing what seems right in our own eyes.
Eph. 4:17-19 The impact of the Christ-centred life is evident in the interests and desires of the believer. He sets his mind on God’s standards of true righteousness and holiness. He is motivated by continually seeking God’s purpose for his life. He develops a sensitive spirit within himself towards God and His ways. He is not helpless to the lure of self-centred desires. He is able to reject them because they are deceitful, promising joy but failing to provide it.
Eph. 4:25-32 The impact of the Christ-centred life is also evident in actions and relationships with others. It is a life that is others-centred, caring for their well-being, taking the initiative to keep short accounts in disagreements and refusing to harbour ill-feelings. In contrast, a quick look at the Internet personal blogs and forums reveal how much anger, slander and ill-feelings are being written everyday from youth to adults against each other. Malice and bitterness, rage and brawling has just found a new platform. However, the believer relates in Christ-centred ways to reach out to people. He desires to demonstrate compassion and forgiveness, patience and courtesy.
Spending time in the discipline of searching, hearing and obeying the Bible helps the believer to refocus each day on God’s Presence. In God’s “extreme makeover”, the outcome is an inner beauty that is lasting and impacts lives for God’s Kingdom.
God’s Word is given not only to increase our knowledge
but to transform our lives. (DL Moody)
