Transforming Your Life: Steps to Die to Self and Bear New Fruit
In last month’s article, I discussed how dying to our old, sin-inclined selves is critical to being transformed into the new, Spirit-saturated persons Jesus envisions us becoming. Today, we’ll consider some concrete steps for making that happen in real life.
IDENTIFICATION
First, we must clearly identify what is amiss in our lives and what new trait we want to see manifest. Are you stingy, critical, self-absorbed? Do you talk too much, eat too much, harbor hurts too long? What is wrong? We do not drift into spiritual maturity; growth requires intentionality and focus. Naming exactly what we want to eliminate or diminish can rescue us from otherwise rationalizing our unhealthy behaviors or thought patterns. There’s always a reason (e.g., I was tired; their words were hurtful; it triggered childhood pain), but that does not give us license to excuse our broken ways. Lists such as those found in Galatians 5:19-21 and Colossians 3:5-9 provide samples of some things the Apostle Paul identifies as needing attention in the lives of early Christians and may help stir your own consideration.
What new characteristic do we want to mark us? Is it greater thoughtfulness, generosity, or encouragement? Do we want to show more patience, gratitude, peace-filled trust? If you need help identifying a target, use the biblical lists of Spirit-produced fruit to prime the pump (e.g., Romans 8:9-21; Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:12-15). As much as I wish it were true, we will be disappointed if we anticipate that following Jesus will naturally lead us to greater maturity in Christ over the years. Intentionality with targeted transformation is what yields the richest fruit.
IMPLEMENTATION
Having identified where I particularly want to experience transformation, the next step is settling on specific practices that might produce that change. If I want encouragement to increase, perhaps I commit to explicitly complimenting one person daily (e.g., a clerk, a colleague, or my spouse). If I want to be less self-focused, perhaps I will look for one opportunity to serve someone voluntarily and without prompting (e.g., return another’s grocery cart, take my child’s laundry upstairs, open the door for someone). Building a habit of new actions, however seemingly inconsequential, rewires our thinking and behavior. Simply praying, “Lord, let me do better,” in some generalized way, is not likely to prove effective. I heard of one woman who determined she would let anyone who tried to merge into her lane into traffic. That may not sound very spiritual, but on reflection, it’s easy to see how that practice could change the posture of one’s heart, beating back competitiveness, the rush to make the best time, and a me-centeredness. Instead, it could percolate a spirit of generosity, selflessness, and less of a drivenness with time. One key in this phase is not to work on too many traits simultaneously. Focus on just one characteristic with one commitment for three months and see how it goes. You’re more likely to enjoy success and not beat yourself up by attempting too much transformation at once.
FIXATION
As we follow through on these attempts to bear more Christlike fruit, we do well to follow the direction given in Hebrews 12:2 to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Our ultimate transformation occurs because the Spirit of Jesus is doing something new in us, perfecting the faith he founded in us. New fruit does not emerge only because of our successful, disciplined actions. Just as all the best farming practices are of no avail if the sun doesn’t shine and the rain doesn’t fall, we do the hard spiritual work but, in the end, require the presence of Christ to germinate the life we cannot bring on our own. So, we fix our eyes on Jesus and rest in his transforming power. As John Piper says, “Beholding is becoming.” Often, we do well to step back from our work and gaze upon the One who truly can effect change. Taking time to meditate before the glory of Christ can remind us of the Source of our transformation. This fixation may lead you to become a regular whisperer of “Help me, Jesus” – a wonderful cry of humility.
INVITATION
One step that can bring a huge boost in sealing our new fruitfulness is to invite accountability. Share what you are working on with a friend or your small group. Ask them to pray for you and to check your progress in days to come. In this way, you are not alone in trying to change. You grow in humility and transparency, which can inspire others and be a ministry to them. Together, you can struggle and celebrate the road to maturity. Your invitation provides a mutual gift that both parties can unwrap and enjoy. Just as you are more likely to maintain an exercise routine if you are meeting up with someone, you are more likely to carry on with this Christ-emulating growth project if you are not traveling the road in isolation.
CELEBRATION
Finally, be sure to celebrate any progress you enjoy. Certainly, give thanks to God for his hand in casting off old ways and leading you in new ways. Share your progress with anyone you’ve invited to come alongside you and thank them for their encouragement and presence. Even enjoy some tangible personal indulgence as a celebratory act of gratitude and reward (Dilly Bar or twist cone, anyone?). God delights in our transformation – let us join him in that delight rather than simply putting our heads down and moving on to our next work of Becoming. As we move through seasons of greater and lesser intentionality and energy in the journey toward Christlikeness, may we be deeply encouraged by the promise of Philippians 1:6 that “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to bring it to completion.” Glory to God! Let the grand adventure carry on.
Written by: Rob Burns on August 9th, 2024
Rev. Rob Burns serves as the Associate Pastor for Crestwood and has entered the 40th year of marriage to his wife, Janice. He loves a challenging jigsaw puzzle, a backwoods trail, and the occasional trip downtown to Proper Pie.