Proper 17 (A) Transformed

 Proper 17 (A) Transformed
August 29, 1999
By Rev. Ernest. F. Campbell


The verse I want to focus on is from today’s Epistle to the Romans: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.”


The same verse reads like this from The Message: (keep in mind this is a paraphrase and not a strict translation) – “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.”


I might express the same thought like this: I try – we all try – to fit in where we live. Where that promotes God’s purpose…. good. Where it gets in the way…. help us to change, to be converted, to be transformed. Transformed into recognizable disciples. 


One of my favorite hymns says it like this: “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee.” Becoming a Christian disciple is like presenting yourself to a great teacher or coach and inviting them to help you discover your highest potential. In Paul’s thinking, Jesus is the coach and a holy life in service to the community is the game.


We do this, not to earn brownie points with God, but simply to make a reasonable response to God’s free gift of grace. God demonstrates His love for us and then says… now it is your turn to demonstrate my love, in your love, to those in need. In my simplistic way of thinking, I have condensed the Christian way to two words…. come and go. 


“Come” and experience God’s love.

“Go” and let others experience God’s love through your life.


We are blessed to be a blessing. God wants us to discover the joy of giving ourselves away for the sake of all His children. What could be so hard about that? What’s hard about it is that each of us have, by simply living in the world, been infected by the world’s self-preserving fear. Everyone has a story about what happened to them when they tried reaching out in love. Those experiences of rejection have an effect. No one can be immunized against them.


I remember going around the block for the United Way in Minneapolis. One man, upon hearing my purpose, snarled, “I don’t give to ANYTHING!” and slammed the door! You have to wonder; how did he get that way? What made him so angry or afraid?


At the other extreme parishioners at St. Paul’s would remember Elda Leon. Her means were limited, still she gave more than a tithe. (I know because I used to balance her check book). When I dared suggest that she give less, she would always respond in the same way. “Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” Then she would tell me, “You’ve got to have faith!”


All of us are somewhere on a continuum between these two extremes. So, here’s the big question. How can we as Christ’s disciples move ourselves on that continuum in the direction of generosity and sacrificial service? None of us, I’m sure, want to hear Jesus say as He said to Peter in today’s Gospel--You’ve got your mind set on your own self-preservation Peter, and the devil loves it! In your heart of hearts, you know what’s true, but you’re willing to let that go to save what…. your “life?”


Peter was confronted with a conversion crisis. He knew the right thing to do was to let Jesus take the lead, but he saw the danger in obedience. When you are learning how to swim there is a critical moment when you are urged to take your feet off the bottom. Feet on the bottom represents what is “known” …... “security” …… “and safety.” Feet off the bottom represents the unknown and risk. In order to make the transformation from wader to swimmer, you have to make up your mind to try it. That is the crucial step in learning how to swim. To try something that doesn’t seem right, or safe. Once you are past that crucial decision, the rest of swimming is working out the details. Water is fun!


In mountain climbing there are two ways to approach a “friction pitch.” (A friction pitch is a smooth rock with no hand or foot holds that presents a fairly steep angle of climb). One approach is to hug the rock, and the other is to stand away from the rock. Most beginners want to hug the rock because it seems natural that if you don’t want to slip, you keep as close to the rock as possible. But, in fact, the safest way up is to put as much weight as possible on your feet by standing away from the rock. You will never know that it works until you try it.


In both of these examples the transformation takes place from the inside out. Your mind has to say, “Take your feet off the bottom,” or “Stand away from the rock.” This transformation is more likely to happen when the teacher or guide is someone you trust. In other words, the conversion or transformation in Christianity rests on these two questions: Do you trust Jesus? Will you follow His lead?


In today’s Gospel, Jesus announces His intention to go to Jerusalem. Why Jerusalem? Because, Jerusalem is where decisions are made; decisions that stick. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” Peter was trying to say – Jesus, you know that the authorities there are just waiting for their chance to get their hands on you!


Jesus knows what He has to do, and in the name of love tells Peter to step aside. If you claim to be my disciple then let me lead. What kind of a deal is it that for the fear of the unknown you let go of what you really and truly believe in your heart of hearts? Yes, I know that going to Jerusalem seems foolish to you, but you will see that this gesture of love will move the WORLD closer to God.


If you want to swim…  take your feet off of the bottom.


If you want to climb the mountain …. Stand away from the rock.


If you want a closer relationship with God… trust Jesus in the way you live your life.


Almighty God, have mercy on us.

Forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Strengthen us in all goodness.

Jesus, strengthen us. 

Let us strengthen one another in doing good. 


Amen




Resources for further study:


The Lectionary Page:


Track 1orTrack 2
Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28
 Jeremiah 15:15-21
Psalm 26:1-8
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28

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