What is the long-term goal for our lives? Ultimately, God is in the business of renovating us—remaking us in the image of God. Humankind was created that way (Genesis 1:26-28) and He plans to recreate us through the work of the Gospel (Romans 8:29).

Jesus prayed for us, that this would be true! In His prayer, captured in John 17, we read:

“They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth” (John 17:16-19 NLT, emphasis added).

This prayer of Jesus reveals two amazing truths:
1) Jesus prays for our transformation—that we’ll become more set apart for His purposes (holy). If Jesus prayed it, we know God is in it!
2) A primary means for God’s transformation in our lives is His Word.

What does this mean for us?

First, we can join God in His ultimate purposes in our lives by hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Scriptures. See here an illustration the Navigators have used to tell of the value of “getting a grip on God’s word.” 🙂

Second, we can thank Him for the work of transformation that He is committed to do! See 2 Corinthians 3:18, where Paul tells of this amazing change process God is doing:

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”(NIV83, emphasis added)

What new Bible routines can you start this month to begin a lifetime of joining God in His goals in your life? In what areas of your life do you see a need for transformation? Pray for God to change you. Ask other believers to join you in the journey.