In His Image: Daily Reflection# Transforming Wildness: Distractions and True Transformation

Isn't it interesting how the events of our lives, especially during the lockdowns of COVID, revealed so much about human nature and the wildness of creation? We saw the popularity of shows like "Tiger King," which highlighted the dangers of keeping wild animals. Many people were shocked to learn about the attacks by animals, even those raised from a young age. Think about the instances with killer whales like Shamu; despite extensive training, there have been multiple attacks on trainers. These creatures, no matter how domesticated, retain their wild instincts.
Similarly, there's a common sight at circuses where performers hold up chairs to lions. The reason? Lions can't focus on all four legs of the chair at once; it serves as a distraction. This highlights an important truth: wild animals will always be wild because that is their inherent nature. They are predators, hunters, designed with instincts that cannot be fully suppressed.
In many ways, this mirrors our attempts to reform ourselves. Our society is overflowing with self-help books that promise personal transformation, yet these changes often prove to be temporary at best. What's truly needed is a deep and lasting transformation-one that occurs in the heart. Unlike animal behavior, humans have the unique ability to change, and through Christ, we can experience this profound transformation.
The Bible teaches us that through Christ, we can be spiritually reborn. When we come to Him, His Spirit takes residence in our hearts and begins to change us from within-our motivations, our objectives, our dispositions, and ultimately, our eternal destinies all shift.
This transformation does not happen overnight; it is a lifelong journey that requires time and discipline. It often starts with just a degree of change, one small step at a time. Each of us has our entire lives to learn what it means to follow Christ, but it all begins now, when we open our hearts to Him. This is a process of being transformed "from glory to glory." As it says in 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV): "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
True change is possible when we diligently seek Him, like searching for hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:4), and allow His work in our lives.
Thank you for joining us for “Transforming Wildness: Distractions and True Transformation.” Now, let us come together in prayer.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I come before You now with grateful hearts. Thank You for the gift of transformation through the renewing of our minds. Through this transformation, we come to know Your good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Lord, we seek true transformation-not superficial changes rooted in vanity, but a profound and lasting change that touches our hearts and reshapes our pursuits and passions. We desire a change that alters our destinies and redirects our paths.
We pray for this deep change in our lives, recognizing that You are the God who sits upon the throne, the Creator of this earth. You sent Your Son to die on the cross for us, and we are so thankful for Your boundless love and mercy.
You are the light that guides our way. We dedicate this time to You. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.