I was asked this question a couple of weeks ago, not in a negative sense (since the person asking has been part of a men’s ministry that looks at transforming the heart), but rather as a point of clarification. The context of the question is that if we, as Christ-followers, are covered by the blood of Jesus does it matter how “transformed” we are? When we stand before God, He will not see our sins rather He will see His Son and the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. So why do we concern ourself with becoming more like Jesus?
My first response reflected back to what I have been reading in 1 Peter and how living a life that reflects God can silence the ignorant talk of unbeliever. Our transforming life can be used as a witness to those around us. Do I live a life that reflects who I am in Christ? Is their evidence of becoming more like Jesus? Does the way I respond in different circumstances silence the ignorant talk of the unbeliever? A mentor of mine talks of this notion like this, People aren’t going to listen to what you have to say unless they see it lived out in your life. How we live our life matters. So we do spiritual formation so that we may be a witness in the world.
As I have pondered on this a while longer a second reason is that it is a matter of obedience to God. In the Old Testament we see that we are to meditate on scripture day and night, we are to draw near to God, we are to listen for that still small voice. In the New Testament we are called to be perfect just as God is perfect, we are to love God and love our neighbor, we are to seek wisdom. All these things are part of spiritual formation. As we meditate on God’s word how can we not be transformed. As we draw near and listen to God we gain a greater understanding of who God is and what He wants for our life. As we love others, as we care for the widows and orphans, those who have no voice in society we are transformed through this exchange.
A third reflection on why we do spiritual formation, and for me this is key, is that it draws me in to a closer relationship with God. In order to gain an intimate understanding of God we need to be transformed so that we can better understand who He is. As a new believers we have a certain level of understanding, but as we grow in Christ-likeness our understanding increases. This increased understanding draws us into a deeper relationship with God. As we are then drawn into this deeper relationship, we are better able to reflect God back to the world around us and we are better equipped to carry out the plans God has for our life.