As Christ is formed within us, we undergo a total transformation. It is not an instantaneous glorious event that sweeps us off our feet and transforms us in a moment. No - it is a process and a rather arduous and lengthy process. In the midst of the process, we frequently feel so alone, so dark. The coccoon of our transformation closes tightly in on us, suffocating us beyond description.
We cry out - let this cup pass from me! In spite of our cries, the process continues. While the external desire for release from the process spills from our lips, somewhere deep within our spirit we respond with - not my will yours be done. And the it continues...
There does come a day, however, when the coccoon of transformation begins to be less suffocating. Bit by bit we emerge. In some ways, we are completely unaware of what has just occured in us. Yet everything is differant now.
As Christ is formed in us, we find ourselves far outside of the accepted parameters of the religious institutions of the day. We don't try to move outside the box, we don't even think about the box. We simply have the mind of Christ. His thoughts are our thoughts, His priorities are our priorities. We no longer try to love as Christ loved, we love as Christ loved without trying. Striving to do the right thing no longer compels us, Christ compels us. The expectations of people do not determine our course of life, the desires of the Father motivate us. We discover freedom, freedom from the bondage of expectations.
That freedom now puts us in direct conflict with our prevailing religious systems. Initially we don't realize the conflict but at some point it happens. We are enjoying freedom and life as Christ is lived through us and then something occurs that highlights the change that has taken place within us. We eat with unwashed hands; we pick grain on the Sabbath. We heal at the improper time and place. And the attacks start...
At first we are surprised; taken aback. Shouldn't all who name the name of Christ be supportive of the work of Christ? Then the reality begins to set in - not all who name the name of Christ have submitted to the formation of Christ within them. As Christ is more fully formed in us, it reveals the lack of the formation of Christ within them. As a result, they feel the need to attack.
The words of Jesus ring true - Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
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