As followers of Jesus, we are called to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.1 The word transformation comes from the ancient Greek term, “metamorphosis.” The Bible uses the word “metamorphosis” to describe the transformation in the lives of followers of Jesus.

Romans 12:2 is one of the best-known verses about this.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed (metamorphoo) by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (NIV).

People who believe in Jesus Christ and live for Him are being transformed by the Holy Spirit from the inside out. We begin to think differently, and our nature changes.

People attempt to make changes in their lives through self-control and willpower. That is good. But God says that we all need another change as well—the transformation of our hearts. It starts with believing in Jesus and trusting Him as Savior. That’s the beginning of our journey with Jesus. There is so much more than praying a prayer and going to heaven.

God has made it possible for you to go through gradual metamorphosis. You commit your life as a disciple of Jesus, and God’s Spirit lives inside you and changes you. Your attitudes, outlook, and desires change over time as you dedicate ourselves to learn what it means to follow Jesus on the Jesus Way.

Have you ever tried to transform a pig? It isn’t possible because the pig’s nature cannot change. Pigs love mud. You can give the pig a bath, spray the best body spray on him, put a gold chain around his neck, and bring him into the house. Eventually though, when you turn him loose or he finds a way to escape, the pig will jump into the first mud puddle he sees. Despite all that training, the pig is still a pig!

Thanks be to God for His power to change us! This goes beyond behavior modification.

There are many kinds of spiritual disciplines that lead to our spiritual formation.

In the classic book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster outlines three types of spiritual disciplines or practices: The inward disciplines, the outward disciplines, and the corporate disciplines.

Learning about the spiritual practices is essential as we seek to become more like Jesus. They are life-changing practices that the Holy Spirit uses to transform us inwardly.

However, it can be all too easy to emphasize the practices and lose sight of our relationship with Jesus. It’s a subtle change but it leads to practices that are not heart-felt. I’ve been there many times in my journey with Jesus. God in His grace has lovingly reminded me to return to being with Him.

I believe we are to focus on the why of spiritual practices more than on the what.

The bottom line is: BE with Jesus.

Following the Jesus Way starts with inner growth. You can do the right outward things without your heart being changed. However, when your heart is changed, your outward behavior will change. Your heart is changed when you spend time with Jesus.

The Jesus Way is counter-cultural. In Western society, it’s a badge of honor to be insanely busy. Even though we know that we should slow down, and we’ve heard about the Sabbath, our culture pulls us toward activities.

Many of us are tired, even exhausted. In our weary state, Jesus loving extends this invitation. Listen to His words. What stands out to you?

 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG).

Jesus loves you so much. He yearns for you to come to Him, to keep company with Him. He wants you to thrive as you follow Him as His disciples. Jesus wants the very best for you.

My dad is my hero. When I was growing up, though, he was not a good example of taking care of himself. My dad didn’t believe in God back then; he was an atheist, so there was that. He was a driven person and pushed himself hard. While working on his PhD and researching for his dissertation, he came home at 3 in the morning, slept for three hours, and got going again. He earned his PhD in record time, received his professorship tenure more quickly than usual, and became internationally renowned for his discoveries in his field. He invested in property and reached his goal of being a millionaire before age 30. This was in the 1970s. A million dollars had more spending power than today.

My parents divorced when my dad was 35 and things spiraled from there. He lost his fortune due to embezzlement. At the age of 41, he contracted a virus that destroyed his pancreas and made him a Type 1 diabetic. He was two weeks from death when doctors discovered what was wrong. It took several years for him to regain his health.

During this time period, my dad committed his life to Jesus. He spent hours with Jesus, and his heart began to change. One of his favorite Scripture verses is Psalm 90:12. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” NIV).

My dad is dedicated to being intentional and wise with the life God has given him. His days are centered on being with Jesus, and allowing Jesus to form his heart. His life doesn’t revolve around himself. He has dedicated his life to doing whatever Jesus asks him to do, even if it doesn’t make sense or is uncomfortable. He hears from Jesus because he makes time to listen, and he is obedient. That’s why my Dad is my hero.

True, meaningful life comes from Jesus alone, and by making space to be with Him.

Our life-giving connection to Jesus sustains us during times of joy and sorrow. It is characterized by a constant closeness that transcends our comprehension. Jesus is always at our side, ready to console and guide us. Seeking Him with open and humble hearts enables us to recognize His living presence in our daily lives. Through the gift of the Spirit, the very life of Christ takes root in our hearts.

The Jesus Way calls us to move beyond surface living into a deep relationship with our Savior and Master Jesus, and the people he loves. Our highest calling is to abide in His presence and yield to His transformative touch.

When we cultivate our relationship with Jesus, He transforms us from the inside out.

1. Practicing the Way, John Mark Comer.