Encountering Opposition to Transformation in Christ

When I was a child, my mom created the most wonderful Rainbow Brite costume for me. I don’t remember much about that Halloween, but I do remember how I felt. That costume was incredible. I remember feeling special, well-dressed, and proud of what I had transformed into as I wandered up and down the street, gathering candy with my friends. I am quite certain I got lots of compliments, and I would love it if that costume was still around for my own kids to use.

Fast forward to Halloween when I was a preteen. I chose to be a Kansas University Jayhawk. Having been born in Kansas, I loved the Jayhawks. We worked hard on that costume, covering my uncle’s old football helmet in red fabric and using parts of an old Pizza Hut box to transform the facemask into a yellow beak. I loved it, but I knew it wasn’t going to be well-received by everyone.

You see, by that time, I lived in Missouri. The Missouri Tigers reigned supreme for most of my friends and their families, and I stood alone in my decision to support the Jayhawks. In contrast to the love I received with the Rainbow Brite costume, as a Jayhawk, I got razzed. Mostly good-natured razzing, of course, but it was obvious that this transformation was not as acceptable as the cute one when I was a child.

Since it’s October, I figured these stories about my two costumes might translate well into an analogy about transformations in Christ.. Whether sudden or slowly over time, a life lived in Christ is going to change us. It’s supposed to change us. But the way those changes are received can vary. Like we just did with Rainbow Brite and the Jayhawk, let’s take a look at how transformations in Christ are sometimes received well but sometimes receive pushback.

When a Transformation Is Well-Received

When someone’s personality, habits, hobbies, or profession change because of their faith, it can be well-received. People say, “I like the new you!” They compliment you on getting away from destructive behaviors and negative thinking, and they affirm what you are doing with your time or how you are serving others. These are the transformations that are fun in the faith because they get a lot of social support, “atta-girls,” and fit into a framework that makes sense to others.

I suspect Zacchaeus may have been a biblical case of welcome transformation in Christ. In Luke 19:1-10, we get a snapshot of the dubious tax collector trying to get a look at Jesus. Then, after Jesus asks to come to his home, Zaccahaeus’ personality is transformed in such a way that he not only has a fresh faith but commits to rectifying his wrongs by repaying what he has stolen “four-fold.” I’m guessing the people appreciated this change in his personality and their own pocketbooks.

When a Transformation Is Not Well-Received

As much as we would love it if all things God calls us to receive thunderous applause, this doesn’t always happen. Changes in our personality, habits, hobbies, or profession mean just that: change. And change can be hard for other people. Opposition to these changes often comes from two places. First, when you make changes in a way that moves you away from a previous social circle or set of behaviors, the people you used to align with may not like it. After all, they liked you the way you were; that’s why you hung out!

The second way you may encounter opposition is from people who generally appreciate the transformation you are undergoing but think you may be taking it too far, being too extreme, too “extra.” This can be especially hard because not only do you not have the support of your old circle, you don’t have it from your new one, either. At these times, it’s just you and Jesus, and it can feel lonely even though he’s with you.

Paul is a good example of transformations in Christ that were not always well-received. Of course, when he first transformed from Saul to Paul, leaving behind his fellow Pharisee buddies, they presumably did not approve of his new concern for the Gentiles. Then, as he continued forward in ministry, transforming and receiving new direction, jobs, and purpose from the Lord, Paul ended up in a disagreement with his buddy Barnabas. Ultimately, they could not reconcile, and went in different directions (Acts 15:36-41). Paul’s new calling, even though it was in the faith, was not supported by one of his closest friends.

Living a life of faith means we are going to be changed sometimes. We may be called to a different set of behaviors, a new job, a new city, or a new focus to serve others. Depending on how extreme the change is and how it affects the people around you, it may be well-received, or it may not. As hard as it may be, if God has called for a change, that is the most important support you need. Transformations in Christ are always a good thing.

Anne Rulo is an author, speaker, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist and veteran coach’s wife. She and her husband Tim have two children and are passionate about reaching people for Christ and sharing information on coaching, marriage, family, and mental health. Read more from Anne at www.annerulo.com.