The Bible tells us that when we receive Christ as our Savior, there is a huge change that takes place. Old things are passed away, and all things become new. That is a pretty dramatic transformation! That transformation happens in the eyes of God … but, can those who live around you see that transformation as well? The answer is that they should be able to see that transformation.
Today I was reading Acts 3, and I read the account of an amazing transformation that came to a lame man. After Peter and John spoke to this man who had been lame from his birth, His life dramatically changed. Luke described what happened this way: “And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him” (Acts 3:8-10).
This man who had never stood on his own two feet before was able to stand. But, he did far more than just stand; he leaped, walked, and for the first time in his life, he entered the temple. All the years of his life before that day, he had simply laid there at the gate, hoping for a few shekels; and now he had the chance to go inside and see what was in there! His life had been dramatically changed. It changed to the point that all those who were in the temple noticed his actions.
I understand that his healing was physical, and our salvation is spiritual. I also understand that a spiritual change can be seen as vividly as a physical change … if that spiritual change is real! When we receive eternal life it should affect where we go, and what we do; or where we will not go, and what we will not do. A right relationship with God should result in visible affects that all who knew us before should be able to see. By the way, this is not only true of a new convert, but should be true of those of us who have been saved for many years.
The question I asked in the title of this devotional is a good question to consider daily. Can other people see a change in us daily? I want my life to reflect an on-going transformation from who I was before Christ, to who I am as a result of knowing Him personally. I want Jesus to continually influence my life, just like those who are closest to me influence me. I want those who see me today to recognize that I have spent time with Jesus!