"How did their kids turn out?" we hear people ask. "My child turned out..." we'll report. These conclusions about the children's character really emerge as the offspring become 18 years of age or graduate from high school. I have seen parents so completely discouraged and bereft because of how their children "came out." (And I do not mean to make light of the real heartache parents experience as we watch our children struggle). I find it laughable, however, that such final judgment is declared when these young people are not even a fifth through their lives and only at the threshold of their adult lives and accepting responsibility for themselves.
Does anyone really know how they, themselves, "turned out" as of yet?
Conclusions. There is such a finality to them. I reach them about others, and I reach them about myself. Neither takes into account a dynamic, involved, powerful God who, by His Spirit, is in the business of transforming lives.
I've heard it said that we are to withhold judgment. Another way I am viewing this with regard to spiritual transformation is, "Don't come to a conclusion about yourself or others." Conclude that God's mercies will continue to be new every morning. Conclude that He is molding you more and more into the image of Christ as you yield yourself to Him. Conclude that nothing is too hard for the Lord. But do not look at yourself or other believers and say it is finished! Nothing could be more discouraging or untrue. And we all know that how we live stems from what we believe.
The word "conclusion" stems from Latin "conclusio," which means "closed." If I say the matter is settled regarding God changing me, I am saying my limitless, infinite creator is limited! And I'm essentially lowering the gavel (that I was never intended to hold) and declaring, "Case closed!"
Oh, Lord God, I am only beginning to see your transforming power in my life. How miraculous are your mercies that refresh me each day and give me hope of Christ becoming more and more evident, guiding, comforting, loving and making a new creature out of me. If there is anything I am sure of, let it be You, in me, the hope of glory. May I each moment wait expectantly on You to be so very present and open myself always to You.
IN CONCLUSION: I can't wait to see how I and those I love are going to turn out! I have a feeling we'll all look a lot more like Jesus than we do now!
