Am I Transformed?

Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.

Psalm 101:5 (NKJV)

During a conference on the behavior and attitude of the born-again Christian, a participant asked me, "How will we know that we have been transformed?" I took the time to describe Paul's attitude before and after his encounter with Christ, citing the relevant verses. Although he understood my explanations, the answer did not satisfy him; what he really wanted to know was when *he* would notice this change in himself. I then simplified matters by telling him that when we feel an aversion to anything contrary to God's will—as well as a sense of unease regarding sin—it means we have been transformed inwardly.

My answer prompted all the participants to reflect on and analyze their own attitudes. This is precisely what David experienced; it enabled him to realize that he was no longer the same. He could no longer tolerate slanderers and felt uncomfortable in the company of the arrogant. His aversion to such people drove him to want to destroy them. This was a profound sign that he had tasted and experienced the holiness of God, which tolerates no form of evil. God's forgiveness, granted after his sin, allowed David to perceive God in a new light.

After reading these two paragraphs, I am certain that you, too, are asking yourself the same question or examining your own attitude to see if you have experienced this transformation. It does not occur immediately after your conversion, nor at the precise moment you become aware of your true need for God. It takes place over time, as you meditate on the Bible, devote more time to prayer, and examine yourself while deepening your knowledge of God. However, you cannot achieve this alone. You can take the first step, but it is the Holy Spirit who will accomplish the essential work within you. So be ready to be transformed according to the measure of your faith.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.