1 Samuel 10:5-6
In this season of celebrating the resurrection power of Christ, we have been exploring the profound impact of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. One of the most transformative effects of resurrection power is the change it brings about in our character and identity. Just as Samuel prophesied over Saul in 1 Samuel 10:5-6, saying that the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him and he would be changed into a different person, the same remains true for every believer today. Resurrection power is the agent of lasting transformation.
In the world, we often hear the saying, “A leopard never changes its spots,” implying that it is nearly impossible for people to change. But in Christ, we are not bound by such limitations. The Holy Spirit does what is impossible for man — He changes us from the inside out.
Romans 12:1-2 reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to allow God to transform us by renewing our minds. When we believe in Christ, the veil over our hearts is lifted (2 Corinthians 3:13-18), and as we look into God’s Word — like looking into a mirror — we not only see ourselves clearly but also who we are meant to become. The Word of God reveals our potential in Christ, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to live it out.
The fruit of the Spirit, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23 — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — is the very character of Christ, and this is what God wants to produce in us. These qualities should find consistent expression in our lives, regardless of our external circumstances.
Transformation is expected
There was a time when being called a “believer” carried weight and credibility. Salvation in Christ was expected to produce a visible transformation. In Acts 11:26, the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch because their lives clearly mirrored that of Christ. Paul’s own transformation was so dramatic that Ananias hesitated to go to him, not believing such a change was possible (Acts 9:13-15).
Likewise, Hebrews 5:12-14 challenges us to reflect: after being exposed to so much spiritual teaching, have we matured? If others can’t see a difference in us, then perhaps the transformation hasn’t occurred.
The Gap Between Knowledge and Action
Why, then, do so many of us struggle with visible transformation? The truth is, we know so much, but do so little with what we know. As someone once said, “The largest gap in the world is between what people know and what they do.” James 1:22-25 makes it clear: it’s not just about hearing the Word — the blessing is in the doing.
Joshua 1:8 confirms that success and transformation come when we not only meditate on God’s Word but actually live it out. John 15:7-10 shows that abiding in Christ means obeying His commands. In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus teaches that the wise build on the solid foundation of His Word by putting it into practice.
Repentance and Ongoing Change
Transformation starts with repentance — not just turning from sin, but adopting God’s mindset over our own. It’s a continual, ongoing process of aligning our thoughts and actions with the principles of God’s kingdom.
The words of William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, are sobering and prophetic: “The chief danger that confronts the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration…”
Today, many profess Christ but lack evidence of a changed life. We live in a time of big churches but small impact, abundant sermons but unchanged hearts, a flood of knowledge but a drought of wisdom.
Smith Wigglesworth, another mighty man of God, once responded to someone asking if she could continue her worldly habits after salvation with a simple answer: “Continue if you can.” His point was clear — if we truly submit to the Holy Spirit, we won’t be able to continue in our old ways. But when we harden our hearts (Hebrews 3:15; Ephesians 4:30), we resist the very change the Spirit wants to bring.
Conclusion: Close the Gap
Ask yourself: Am I being transformed by the Holy Spirit? If so, how? What visible fruit is there? Why do I come to church, read my Bible, or pray — and if I don’t, why not?
Let us not grieve the Holy Spirit by resisting His work. Instead, let us embrace resurrection power — the same power that raised Jesus from the dead — to change us into the people God has called us to be.
This week, may we not only gain knowledge but close the gap between what we know and what we do. May our lives reflect Christ so clearly that others have no doubt we’ve been transformed.
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