Both Catholic and Protestant denominations have proclaimed a similar refrain, essentially stating that "All of the baptized are called to work towards the transformation of the world."... Similarly, the mission of the Church has been defined as: "announcing the reign of God and transforming the world in the light of Christ."
In honest reflection, are we fulfilling on this call and supporting the Church in this mission? Are we experiencing the awesome blessings that come when working to transform the world?
The Global Institute For Transformation (GIFT) is a cross-denominational ministry that's helping transform lives so we'll live, and love, more like Jesus -- and transform our world. Given all the challenges in today's world, GIFT is sorely needed. GIFT offers 8 ways to affect transformations. (See list below.)
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The Bible encourages all of us to live "transformed" lives, devoted to pleasing God: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing and perfect will. The man who does the will of God lives forever." (Romans 12: 2; 1 John 2: 17 NIV)
During World Youth Day 2008, Pope Benedict XVI affirmed the Christian's transforming purpose, accomplished through the gift of the Holy Spirit. "In the end, life is not about accumulation. It is much more than success. To be truly alive is to be transformed from within, open to the energy of God's love. In accepting the power of the Holy Spirit you too can transform your families, communities and nations."
But sometimes we need help responding to the call to live transformed, Godly, selfless, loving and truly impactful lives. Research indicates it's becoming harder and harder to not conform to the ways of the world. We need to condition ourselves so God's Holy Spirit can transform us -- so we'll live and love more like Christ.
The world desperately needs to see God's transforming power alive in us. Too many people are suffering, and too many don't know the Lord. The Church, too, needs us to get fully engaged in our faith. Too many people are leaving the faith, and fewer are coming to know the Lord and His awesome love as a result.
GIFT can help. Our mission is: Transforming hearts, lives and communities by helping people receive, fan into flame and share the GIFT of God.
GIFT offers 8 Ways To Affect Transformations:
Recognizing God desires that we transform to live -- and love -- like Jesus, consider the following steps we can all take to achieve this goal:
1.) Review and share GIFT posters, note cards and yard signs to assist in Godly formation and transformations. (GIFT'S POSTER GALLERY IS A FAVORITE!!!)
2.) Support the children with their transformation into Christ-likeness through GIFT youth ministries.
3.) Fund global transformations through water purification, irrigation, refugee services and more. Engage your Church, family and friends in this too.
4.) Help your Church affect transformations by leveraging GIFT resources.
5.) Review the GIFT testimonies and see how God can work powerfully in our lives. Ask the Lord to direct your heart into God's love and Christ's perserverence. Pray to the Holy Spirit. Then, enlist Jesus, His grace and His incredible love -- let Him work in you and through you! And prayerfully consider how you might be used by God to love others like never before, including potentially through working with GIFT.
6.) Check GIFT's Spiritual Transformation Path to assess where you are in your own transformation, to identify ways to continue growing, and ways to encourage others.
7.) Review the research indicating transformations are needed (in the About Us section of this website).
8.) Consider the adverse impact Christian disunity may be having on our collective ability to transform the world; review our Unity section; and consider how we can work across denominational lines to re-present Christ and impact our world through His love.
Importantly, we recognize we alone can't affect transformations, but only Christ living in us and through us can. As a foremost biblical scholar once noted, "...You think you have the recipe and that it is up to you to transform Christianity, but it is the Lord who knows the way. It is the Lord who says to me, who says to you: follow Me! And we must have the courage and humility to follow Jesus, because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life."
Protestant and Catholic references regarding our need to work toward the transformation of the world:
www.ballaratanglican.org.au/?id=baptism www.usccb.org/laity/laymin/co-workers.pdf