The Beginnings of Transformation
When was the last time you looked back at an old photo and marveled at how much has changed—either in yourself, your family, or your life? Change often sneaks up on us, happening so incrementally and quietly that we barely register it day by day. Yet, when viewed with perspective, the transformation is undeniable.
This same principle holds true for our spiritual journey. Inspired by Charlie Wallace’s enlightening sermon, "The Beginnings of Transformation," let’s explore how spiritual change unfolds, why it matters, and what steps we can take to enter into a life forever changed.
Not All Transformations Are Dramatic—But All Are Profound
Charlie Wallace began with a relatable observation: watching children grow. As parents or loved ones, we witness countless small, almost unnoticeable changes in our children—until, suddenly, we realize they’re reading on their own, asking new questions, or simply looking older. Looking at old pictures, the transformation seems drastic, but living it daily, the process feels slow and subtle.
This quiet, steady change is a mirror of our Christian transformation. Sure, people can have dramatic conversion experiences, like the Apostle Paul’s sudden encounter on the road to Damascus. Yet, even then, Paul spent years learning, growing, and being shaped into the powerful leader we remember him as today. As Charlie Wallace points out, even the most zealous and knowledgeable begin anew when transformed by Christ (Acts 9:1-22; Galatians 1:15-18).
Spiritual Transformation Is God’s Initiative
One of the most humbling truths about the beginnings of spiritual transformation is this: it always starts with God. “None of you came to faith on your own,” Charlie Wallace reminds us. “Somewhere, somehow, you had to hear the Gospel.” Whether it comes through a parent reading you Bible stories, a Sunday school teacher’s
