Are we religious reformers? Trying to make ourselves better. The Bible says we must be kind loving, forgiving, etc. So we determine to get it right. Grabbing our emotions with a concentrated effort we attempt to remake ourselves. Martin Luther knew salvation was by faith and not be anything we could do. And spiritual growth was by faith not by natural efforts.

Promises are followed by a slip-up. We tell ourselves it wasn’t too terrible, and we’ll do better tomorrow. What are we trying to do? Make the flesh better? It is still flesh. Our nemesis.

It could be a secret addiction. Each day we promise ourselves it will be different tomorrow. Always going to reform.

If only something or someone in our lives were different we’d be able to conquer our problem, right?

Relax. If you are a believer you are connected to Jesus like a branch to a vine. The branch doesn’t have to do anything except stay connected to the vine. We aren’t required to be religious reformers.

If we are connected to Jesus it is his life, his resources that we are to tap into. It is all of him. It is his life, abilities, that frees us from our sinful nature. When we answer his call to “come” he fills us with himself. See what John chapter 15 has to say about being part of a vine.

Tapping into his power and responding to his invitation to “come” joins you to God. This supernatural power invades you. James 4:8 “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” ESV

Let’s allow God to transform us into his image. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away;  behold, the new has come.” ESV

Instead of trying with our flesh to grow spiritually and produce spiritual fruit, let’s allow him the freedom to create in us a new person, to transform us into the image of his son. He will do it, if we give him permission. Surrender completely to God. It is an amazing life! Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring in to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” ESV

I know that I write about this often, but I also know that most Christians try really hard to be a good Christian in their own abilities rather than drawing from the vine, Jesus. It can be really difficult come Monday morning.

What about the flesh? Ignore it. It died on the cross with Jesus. See Romans 6.

Lord God our Father, help us to give up once and for all trying to reform our flesh and allow the life of Christ to flow through us, the branches bring about transformation.