Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Transmitted or Transformed


I have a growing concern about the pain, anger, hopelessness, fear, and distrust that I see all around us. These attitudes, emotions, and responses tend to elevate and reproduce themselves when left unchecked. Richard Rohr suggest that if our pain is not transformed it will be transmitted. I believe he is correct. If God doesn't transform the pain of our lives we will act out in destructive ways and transmit that pain to others. Usually, we can see this when people commit violent and horrific acts. It seems less realized in some of our "passive aggressive" responses such as avoidance, gossip, and grumbling. Don't be deceived the practice of these behaviors is evidence that we have hurts that need to be transformed. These behaviors are destructive. The results are seen in our relationships, families, society, and unfortunately our churches.
God's word tells us in Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Being transformed is not something we do by ourselves nor does it happen over night. It is something God does through the working of the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Our job is to bring our hurts to God and allow Him to heal us and renew our thinking through believing His word.
Are you transmitting your pain or is it being transformed?