Transforming Community

2:47 – 24/7

Transforming Community

Transformers change things. That’s what they do.

When my girls were growing up I wanted to buy them "Transformers" instead of dolls. Donna wouldn’t let me for reasons that I don’t remember now. I’m sure her reasons were good - I just don’t remember what they were - probably something along the lines of "that’s a dumb idea" along with the "look". You guys know the "look".

In case you were born too late, a "Transformer" was this really neat giant robot that could be changed into a really cool car, or truck, or something else with wheels. Then you could change it back again! The real transformation took place because of the manipulations of the boy (or girl!) who repositioned the various pieces through a series of complicated moves. Did I mention how cool this was?

Transformation is fun. It’s also mind-bending.

That God planned for you to experience transformation from a person of limited life (70 years plus or minus a few) into an infinite being on the spiritual scale above the angels is no small idea! That this individual metamorphosis is multiplied over and over until there is a vast community of new creatures is exciting beyond any earthly transformation - including tadpoles into toads, caterpillars into butterflies, and coal into diamonds.

That the church can be a transforming community that transforms the community is a truly astounding vision - and yet this is exactly what Jesus challenged his followers to be when he called them salt and light.

We are challenged to be Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

It is the nature of Salt and Light to be Transforming

“Salt speaks of inward character that influences a decaying world; light speaks of the outward testimony of good works that points to God.”

Warren Wiersbe

40 transformational qualities of Salt

1. Preserves

2. Purifies

3. Flavors

4. Penetrates

5. Melts Ice

6. Provides Traction

7. Works Quietly

8. Cleanses

9. Lingering Influence

10. Seasons in Many Ways

11. Creates Thirst

12. Provokes Interest

13. Distinguishes Identity

14. Adds Values

15. Holds Water

16. Irritates When Necessary

17. Heals

18. Covenant of Relationship (Numb 18:19)

19. Persists

20. Stings

21. Influences in many ways

22. Useful in numerous products

23. Inexpensive but valuable

24. Necessary for life

25. Synergistic with seasoning

26. Easily shows impurities

27. Use it or lose its effects

28. Available and Understandable

29. Inexpensive

30. Easy to procure

31. Universally Available

32. Trans-cultural

33. Works in all temperatures

34. Shows no bias

35. Stimulates hunger

36. Basic identity of believers

37. Impact not always understood

38. Historically enriched

39. Created by God

40. Inherent and done without effort

40 transformational qualities of Light

1. Clarifies

2. Illuminates

3. Inspires

4. Disinfects

5. Reveals

6. Defeats the darkness

7. Reflects and Brightens

8. Shines fully and Freely

9. Chases the Shadows and Gloom

10. Provides Pathways and Guides

11. Stimulates and Motivates

12. Convicts

13. Provokes Action

14. Irritates Those in Darkness

15. Confirms Truth

16. Exposes Sin and Sickness

17. Warms and Assures of Safety

18. Displays truth and error

19. Warns of Danger

20. Provides Safety

21. Prevents Injury

22. Provides Vision

23. Gives Essential Vitamins

24. Affirms

25. Adds Renown

26. Facilitates Progress

27. Gives Life As Photosynthesis

28. Cheers the Downtrodden

29. Prevents Catastrophe

30. Compels

31. Protects

32. Chases Away Evil

33. Glorifies

34. Advertises and Gives Visibility

35. Adds Credibility

36. Energizes

37. Enlightens

38. Empowers

39. Reflects What is Missing

40. Makes Things Knowable

41. Beams to the Most Remote Areas

Salt and Light Transforms All That It Touches.

Salt changes a hunk of meat. Light alters the ambiance of a restaurant dining room. Salt makes water into a healing elixir and light makes a glass vase into a brilliant crystal.

This is all accomplished by the nature of the salt. It is the way of light. The transformation is not so much a matter of what the salt or light does. Transformation of this kind happens because of the nature of salt and light.

It is a matter of being – not doing.

We are called to be Salt and Light in a Decaying and Dark World. We are called by Jesus to be Salt and Light in a world that is coming apart at the seams.