Converting Junk

We spent 16 odd years in Pakistan. One of the skills I most admired among the craftsmen of Pakistan was their ability to convert cast-off items into useful objects. For example, they could take a pop can and turn it into a tiny lamp. Or they might take discarded, worn-out tires and turn them into soles for long-lasting sandals.

But who can convert a self-righteous lustful, bigoted person into a thoughtful, compassionate and humble man or woman? That is the question Jeremiah posed about the deep-seated depravity of Israel. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil” (Jer. 13:23). While Hollywood shows describe the transformation of villains into saints, in the real world such change is superficial. Fortunately, Jeremiah held out hope by prophesying about God giving them new hearts; that is, they would be regenerated from top to bottom.

Genuine conversion is an aspect of true regeneration that includes a change of mind, of will and of emotions. In our nature, we resist such a change. “To those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him…they are unfit for doing anything good” (Titus 1:15,16).

Conversion then involves, “Gently instruct[ing rebellious sinners] in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and they will come to their senses…” 2 Tim. 2:25,26). Without conversion people are alienated from the truth. They cannot see God’s hand behind the operation of the universe. They have no hunger for the Word of God. They need a change of mental attitude, so that like David, they can say, “Oh, how I love thy law!” As we can see, both faith in God’s revelation and repentance toward false ideas and actions is involved.

Conversion also involves a turning from self to God. Peter challenged Simon, the sorcerer who wanted to buy the Holy Spirit to use for his own ends. “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought” (Acts 8:22). Like all who come to faith in Christ, Simon needed do a 180, have a complete change in his motivations, his desires, his goals—his will.

Conversion also transforms our emotions. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret” (2 Cor. 7:10). A flood of emotions accompanies one’s genuine sorrow at grieving God. Joy floods the forgiven soul. Gratefulness begins to rise in the soul for all the blessings of grace. Hope for the future is born. Confidence in our present position in Christ dispels insecurity and anxiety.

Conversion then involves a radical change of mind, emotions and will. Clearly, such a change is not superficial nor temporary. Sadly, there are apparent conversions that obviously do not effect total change in a person. Professing faith is not enough. Going forward in a meeting is not a guarantee of conversion. Attending church or performing ritual is not conversion unless it is an external expression of a new heart.

Conversion is a term that is used to mark the beginning of a person’s new life in Christ. We can look at a person and say “he is conveted!” Or we can bear testimony that “I was converted in 1955”. Such a claim is not to say that conversion is always sudden and revolutionary. In many cases God works slowly in a person converting their mind, emotions and will over a period of time.

In all genuine redemption, conversion will be present. Are you converted? Am I?

(Let me know your thoughts on this subject. If you appreciate this blog, please pass it on. Further articles, books, and stories at: http://www.countrywindow.ca Facebook: Eric E Wright Twitter: @EricEWright1 LinkedIn: Eric Wright ––)

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