I'm joining a host of bloggers taking the "31 Days" challenge in the month of October. Today is Day 3, and my topic is Spiritual Formation.
But today is Monday, so it's the day for my weekly link party, Grace Imparted. So is it "cheating" for me to devote today's post to the Grace Imparted party rather than writing about spiritual formation?
No, I don't think it's cheating. In fact, a day dedicated to God's grace is not at all off-topic for a series on Spiritual Formation. Instead, grace is the very heart of the matter when it comes to spiritual formation.
As I said on Day 1 of this series, Christian spiritual formation is probably best thought of as spiritual TRANSformation. Our desire is to become like Christ. Read again II Corinthians 3:18:
"And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit."
Do you see it? This business of transformation is God's work in us. We participate in the process, to be sure, and that's what we'll be exploring together this month. But the transforming work is done by God. It is a gift from His hand--His grace imparted to us.
This linky party is dedicated to celebrate the gifts, large and small, that God gives to us. (Click here if you'd like to read more about it.) Do you have a story to share? I'd love to hear about it. We can celebrate God's goodness together.
P.S. The winner of Emily Freeman's book Grace for the Good Girl (chosen via the random number generator at Random.org) is Vivienne of The V Spot! Vivienne, I need your mailing address, and I'll send your book out pronto!
The business of transformation is God's work...
ReplyDeleteAnd that's the trick for me. Remembering whose job transformation is in the first place. I like to think I can perform and achieve and transform myself. But it only comes when I live through the overflow of His work in me. A good reminder for this Monday morning.
Hi Richella! What I am sharing today completely relates to your Spiritual Formation series. I have to believe that we have to not only invite Christ to live in our hearts, but we have to invite God to do a transforming work in us, as you said. He never just barges in, but He does provide the opportunities for us to allow His work to take us to that next level in our faith. I'm so thankful for the refining He has done in my own heart...even though I know He still isn't done! :-) Thanks so much for hosting this!
ReplyDeleteVanessa
so many of you fine writers are participating in the 31 series. i am lucky to get 31 posts in a year! i am enjoying your series - it is a gift!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading more on grace during the 31 day series ...
ReplyDeleteMy post for today actually fits so I linked up. So looking forward to your series!
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