May 12, 2025

AN INNER TRANSFORMATION

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.”

Colossians 1:21-23 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Paul begins by reminding the believers in Colossae—and us today—that we were once far from God. That’s a universal truth: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Our separation from God didn’t start with just bad behavior—it began with wrong thinking. Paul writes that we were enemies of God “because of [our] evil thoughts and actions.” Sin begins internally, in our minds and hearts. That’s why true transformation starts with the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Following Jesus isn’t simply about behavior modification or following a list of rules. It requires inner transformation—a new way of thinking that leads to a new way of living. When we accept Jesus as Lord and invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, we begin a journey of change from the inside out. This is not just self-discipline; it is a Spirit-led reshaping of our desires, aligning them with God’s will.

Paul makes a profound theological point: reconciliation with God came through the physical death of Jesus. This was critical in confronting early church heresies that denied Jesus’ humanity or His divinity. Paul insists that Jesus died a real, physical death and rose again proving He is the Son of God and Savior of the world.

Because of that sacrifice, we now stand before God “holy and blameless… without a single fault.” Not because we’ve never sinned, but because the righteousness of Christ has been credited to us. When we repent, God forgives—and sees us through the lens of Jesus’ perfection.

Yet Paul adds a strong warning: “You must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away.”

This implies it is possible to drift. Some people slowly lose their passion for Christ, becoming complacent or careless with the grace they’ve received. Others adopt a false sense of security that says, “Once saved, I can live however I want.” However, genuine salvation leads to a changed heart—one that cannot be comfortable living in sin.

In my own experience, I was raised in an environment with a strong emphasis on holiness—sometimes leaning toward a fear-based view of God. But as I’ve grown in understanding the Word, I’ve also come to see the richness of God’s grace.

There is a balance to be found between holiness and grace. God is both holy and loving. His grace doesn’t excuse sin—but it covers it. His holiness doesn’t demand perfection—but it calls us higher.

We don’t have to live in fear of failure—but we should live with a holy reverence for the God who saved us.

Let us rejoice in this Good News—because it truly is good. We are loved. We are forgiven. And we are being transformed.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me never to drift away from my love for Jesus. Renew my mind daily by Your truth. Let me live in the joy of Your grace and the reverence of Your holiness. Keep me anchored in the Good News. Amen.

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