"And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit."   NRS 2 Corinthians 3:18

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-- what is good and acceptable and perfect."    NRS Romans 12:2

   Being transformed into the likeness of God is a little like being born.  It can be both a painful and a joyful experience.  Perhaps that is why Jesus told Nicodemus he needed to be born anew (John 3).  One way I have experienced new birth was by participating in a drug intervention. Other than the professional helping us, we were all anxious for the moment to begin.  The person of our concern was brought into our presence with no expectation of what was about to happen to him.  He came in and sat down.  Under the direction of a professional, we began one by one to tell him what life was like for us when he was using drugs.  After we finished, the professional asked him if he had anything to say in response.  He did.  Then he was told we were going to take him to a residential facility where he would live for a period of time to deal with his drug addictions.  As we had been warned, he told us he needed to go clean up before going with the two of us appointed to drive him.  He was pretty dirty from work, but he was told no.  His clothes were waiting for him and he could shower when he arrived.  A significant transformation occurred in his life that has had a positive impact on my life and the life of many others.  About ten years later he is still clean and living life “one day at a time.”
    
   My life has been “transformed from one degree of glory to another” over the years, because of my relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  One of the biggest transformations I have experienced occurred a couple of years ago when I went through a personality intervention.  Although I feel I have made some significant strides in living my life, I have a long way to go towards learning what is “good and acceptable and perfect.”  I find, as do drug addicts, that I need to attend “meetings” on a regular basis.  When I don’t attend meetings, it is harder to maintain the transforming spirit.  I have also found it helpful to attend events that “tune-up” the transformation process.
    
   The temptation of being born anew is believing that the birth is the goal achieved.  It is not the end.  It is but a means to the end.  In fact, it is but a beginning.  The other tendency to which nearly everyone falls heir is the belief that I am more transformed than others.  The truth is that there is no one against whom I can measure my progress.  I can only measure my progress against who I was yesterday and who I am right now.  I can only experience transformation “one day at a time,” or “from one degree of glory to another.”

Dawn Breaker #80:  I can make it easier for God to transform me.  It is a choice.
 

"There are a number of guidelines I try to follow in life and ministry. I find that when I follow them, situations sometimes become like the rising of the sun.  There is a luminous glow turning to great light, and occasionally, inspiration.  When I don't follow these adopted guidelines, they sometimes become Don breakers, making life frustrating at best.   I do not suggest you should live by all the principles I choose for my life.  If they are helpful for you, make them your own.  They work for me."
                                                                                                               Don Shelton