I need transformation. I can sit here, and pass judgment on everyone else, but I still have to start with myself. It does not do any good to pass judgment if nothing changes. I cannot have a positive impact on those around me if I am not willing to allow myself to be transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Too often, while the world goes on looking for fulfillment in sex, drugs, alternative lifestyles, and even alternative religions, we who are supposed to have the hope of Jesus Christ sit in our beautiful houses of “worship,” singing praises with our lips, yet condemning, even hating those who most need our love. We worry about the specks in the eyes of those around us, while we ignore the massive logs that invade our own eyes. We piously, and often proudly, let everyone know how holy and sanctified we are because we don’t use certain words, we don’t eat certain food, we don’t drink certain beverages, and we don’t participate in certain activities. Yet, at the same time we show absolute contempt and even hostility and hatred for those around us; sometimes even for each other. We take pride in our works around the church, and we neglect to truly share Jesus Christ with those who need Him. We do not want to lower ourselves and befriend those who need to see Jesus.

I have been guilty of this far too often.  If I am completely honest, sometimes I still am. I truly want to lead the lost to Christ. But I am often afraid of getting dirty, afraid to associate with sinners. Jesus got dirty. Jesus associated with sinners. Jesus loved sinners, and I believe He still does. I cannot lead anyone to Jesus until I have allowed the Holy Spirit to transform me from a mere religious person into a true disciple of Jesus Christ. You know, someone who acts and behaves like Jesus. Before I can do His will, I have to let Him start working in me. So I come back to the question: Who needs transformation? We all do. More importantly, I do.