The Glory of Inner Change

There are few things more beautiful than the transition of summer to autumn. As the chlorophyll dissipates, the green leaves take on brilliant shades of yellow, orange, purple and fiery red. Some people are surprised to know that the beautiful metamorphosis in color actually occurs because the leaves are dying. The beautiful leaves will provide splendid palates of color to decorate the voluminous tree lines.

The scripture tells us, in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Bible Hub). As we embrace the glories of autumn, let us take joy in knowing that we are our most beautiful selves as believers in Christ, when we allow our fleshly desire to be crucified in order that the beauty of Christ is more pronounced.

At the end of the summer of 2017, parts of Texas were devastated by Hurricane Harvey.  Flood waters destroyed roads, homes, towns and landscapes.  Out of the devastation, stories of people helping neighbors and strangers filled the air waves and social media.  Many people who ordinarily do not give financially and emotionally to strangers in need, found themselves unable to turn their back in the face of such a daunting catastrophe.  A lesson learned is that sometimes we are changed not only by internal workings but by environmental impact.  Nevertheless, when we surrender to the will of God and follow His direction, we find that it is easy to change our colors, just like the mighty oak tree whose canopy of green changes to a brilliant red.

I encourage you as you experience the serene and picturesque colors of autumn, seek the Lord’s guidance in searching what areas of your life He wants you to experience a true transition.  For many of us, God wants to change us in the area of our giving. Many have prayed, “Lord bless me with more stuff.” I encourage you to ask God to enlarge your giving to others as the Lord transitions you to become more and more like Him.

Just as the autumn leaves are a real treat, as we wait in anticipation of what new colors we will behold, transitioning to becoming more Christ like is a joy as we grow in areas we never anticipated.  I John 3:2 declares, “Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (Bible Hub).

The beautiful leaves that transitioned from summer to autumn will wither and we shall enjoy their beauty no more.  But, the transition and change God brings us, is eternal.  Psalm 1:3 declares, “He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers” (Bible Hub). Words of promise from a Father who cannot lie.

Elder Jerome Woods, II

Elder Jerome Woods, II is the husband of Alana M. Woods and is the son of the late Jerome Woods, Sr. and Larina Woods. He is a Washington, D.C. native and associate Elder at High Calling Ministries pastored by George W. Hawkins, Jr. Elder Woods is a graduate of The George Washington University (1994) where he received his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with minors in Sociology and Latin Classical Humanities. Elder Woods received his Juris Doctorate in 1997 from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.