Transformers?

Wednesday evening services begin with singing, prayer requests and announcements. Sylvia Garza has a co-worker who’s home was set on fire during these past storms when a transformer fell on the house where his bedroom is located. Sylvia gave us an update and then recapped the events leading up to this unfortunate event. When she said that a transformer had fallen on his bedroom seven-year-old Micah perked up with eyes extended wide and searching for more information. Was this transformer Optimus Prime the leader of the autobots or was this the dastardly work of Megatron the mastermind of the decepticons? Micah’s imagination was running wild until Ghavinn noticed his frenetic hopeful gaze and said, “Not that kind of transformer!” I know it didn’t happen but I thought for sure at that very moment I heard the sound that the Pac Man game makes when your man is defeated. English is not a kind language… it often leaves it users suspended between meaning and context dangling on the precipice of grammatical ambiguity. Yes, I have no idea what I just said –because I speak English! And yes, what I need is transformation!

In view of God’s mercy we not only live sacrificial lives in order to be pleasing to God but we take seriously the challenge to “not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but (are) …transformed by the renewing of …(our) mind (Romans 12:1,2).” And yes, Micah, this is somewhat like the transformers who transform from one shape to another. The difference is that this transformation is not external but internal. It is as radical as the reshaping of characters like Optimus Prime but this transformation is not about changing shape for strategic value but rather seeing our surroundings with an eye for glory! Not our own glory but how can we through lives of service bring glory to God in all things.

What kind of transformations have you seen in your life? In what ways has your mind been renewed to prove God’s will in your life? Simply put, …are you a transformer? Knowing it’s counter part may put our spiritual feet to the fire when we ask ourselves the poignant question, “How often do I conform to the things of this world?” I’m confident that our mutual prayer aligns with St. Francis of Assisi, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace… it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” Yes, may His transformation fall upon us!