God loves you the way you are, but loves you too much to leave you that way.
I love transformation videos with very dramatic before-and-afters, like extreme home renovations that turn rundown houses into little palaces or hairdressers grooming an unkept head of hair into a beautiful masterpiece.
There’s something satisfying about witnessing a dramatic change that culminates in a beautiful end result.
It’s also my favourite part of the story of Zacchaeus. After Jesus notices him, calls him by name and visits his house, Zacchaeus is completely transformed. He announces:
“Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” – Luke 19:8
From a cunning and shrewd tax-collector, who cheated people out of their money, Zacchaeus turned into an extremely generous, selfless man, giving away half of his possessions!
He also committed to paying back four times what he took from people; they must’ve been so relieved.
It is as if Zacchaeus’s mindset completely shifted; he was no longer the same. There was something very different in the way he thought now. It’s what Paul describes in Romans 12:2 NIV :
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed 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.
When you truly allow Jesus to enter your life, transformation is inevitable. His presence will transform you, and His transforming power in your life will affect and bless those around you.
One of my favourite Christian quotes is:
God loves you the way you are, but loves you too much to leave you that way.
As you reflect on your relationship with God, however long or short it may be, can you identify the areas where God’s transforming power has been at work in your life?
