What exactly is transformation? We talk a lot about transformation, but sometimes it can be just another “church word” that no one really understands. Or at least we all have a different definition of it. So what is it? If you look it up, it is defined as “a thorough or dramatic change in form and appearance.” The word for transformation in the New Testament is metamorphousthe, or what we call metamorphosis.

It’s the idea of the caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Like the caterpillar, we go into our relationship with God (our spiritual chrysalis) one way, but we are being renewed daily and emerge transformed into something completely different. That means that if we are not any different today than we were when we committed ourselves to Christ, then chances are we have not been growing and are limiting the Spirit’s transformative work in our lives (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 3:18).

I write this blog with the assumption that everyone reading it wants to be transformed. I assume that you are here because you want to be a disciple of Christ and want to live for him. With that assumption, I want to talk about the idea of becoming in our spiritual transformation process. We are all in a state of becoming something. We can’t escape it. But we do have a choice of what (or whom) we are becoming.

Often many of us simply feel stuck. We feel stuck in our patterns of living, our decisions, and our relationships. We want to change, but we just don’t know how. We want to be transformed, but we feel stuck in our cocoons, unable to emerge into our new state. Satan wants us to believe that we can go no further. That it is impossible to be transformed. He makes us feel guilty and worthless and tells us that the best we can do is make the most of who we are, what we have, and where we are going.

But I want you to listen to me: that is a lie! We are not stuck; we are simply held up by fear. We desperately need to move from fear to faith. Moving from fear to faith is part of our exit process from our spiritual metamorphic cocoons. Paul says to the Corinthians, “We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections” (2 Cor. 6:11-12).

“Restricted by your own affections.” Remember this: whatever you love most, you become. So, if our affections are toward the things of this world and the lies it tells us, then we will feel restricted and constrained to move forward. But when we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we are set free by his love and able to live openly and freely. Remember, “if the Son set you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Now, there is much that influences what we are becoming. Everything we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell influences our becoming. Our experiences through school, work, play, etc. influence us. But most of all, our relationships influence our becoming. Who we are becoming is deeply shaped by those we allow to influence us. The people we allow to speak into our lives and influence us will help shape and forge our becoming, for good or bad.

That’s why Jesus came to us in the flesh. He knew that through relationship he would influence who we would become. He knew that only through love and relationship would a person be transformed. In Mark 1, Jesus is going from place to place calling his people to follow him. When he finds Peter and Andrew, he says to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Well, that’s what most think he says because that’s how we often quote it. Actually Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1:17, emphasis added). Jesus knew that making these guys his disciples would take time. It would not happen instantaneously; they would become disciples through their relationship and experiences with him. Jesus knew that we’re not just made into disciples; we become disciples! So as Jesus traveled, he spent time trying to breathe into his disciples’ lives to influence and forge their becoming.

So who are you becoming? Who are you inviting and allowing to influence your spiritual transformation?

Pull out a piece of paper and write down one fear or excuse that has kept you from becoming who God created you to be. Name it and expose it. More than likely, it is what is keeping you from becoming who God created you to be. Don’t let it get you stuck.

Now, write down one person’s name who you want to invite into your process of becoming. Someone you know who will challenge your fears and excuses and will assist you in your spiritual transformation. Take a moment to contact them and ask them to join you. This one small step can revolutionize your becoming. The point is to make sure you are connecting with individuals who can help you transform and are willing to walk alongside you as the Spirit shapes your becoming.

Again, what are you becoming?