Transformed to Serve
“…so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” – Romans 12:5
Over the last few decades Psychologists have been theorizing that there is a universal and “fundamental human motivation” behind our “need to belong” (Baumeister and Leary, 1995). This often motivates our behaviors and social interactions in an attempt to satisfy our seemingly instinctual need to “fit in”.
I always love when modern psychology supports what the Bible has been saying for thousands of years. God created us in His image—as such, we are created as interpersonal beings reflecting the interpersonal nature of the Triune Godhead. For, in the beginning, mankind belonged to God and to one another in perfect relational harmony.
As we also know from the Genesis account, sin brought destruction and death—not only to each individual, but to our interpersonal relationships as well. We were cut off from our direct relationship with God and our partnership—and belonging—to one another. However, Jesus came to restore mankind to right relationship with God. Through Christ, we are transformed into the “new creation” and reconciled to God; and to one another.
Should it then surprise us, that “in Christ” we now find satisfaction to the longing of every generation—the need to belong. Friends, the work of the Spirit in each of our lives is not just a matter of salvation, but transformation. This metamorphosis changes us spiritually, physically, emotionally, physiologically, socially, economically, relationally, and in every other arena of life.
“The Transformed Life” is found “in Christ,” and reflects his nature in every aspect of our lives. Therefore, when we begin to function in service to one another—in true humility, putting the needs of others above our own—we reflect the very person of Jesus.
My friends, this is what the world desperately needs—The Body of Christ, Reflecting Christ.
May our hearts be stirred for kingdom service and may we be encouraged to deeply know that we belong.
In Christ,
Pastor Ken