A Little Deeper

Happy Tuesday Father!

Ever since yesterday’s Meditations Monday post Father, I’ve had the phrase You gave me: “Transformational Benevolence” running through my head.  I thought initially that it was simply something You’d placed on my heart to help me make a point, but it’s become apparent that You’re not done with what this concept can teach me yet.  Therefore, today I thought I’d delve into it a little deeper, and see where it takes me.

The scholarly side of me said “Start with the dictionary!” 🙂

Merriam Webster’s online dictionary defines benevolence as “disposition to do good”, and transform as “to change in character or condition”.  Paraphrasing those two together, I can easily arrive at a meaning for this phrase as:

“A fundamental change of perspective leading to the desire to do only good”.

Wow… No wonder this phrase has been haunting me.  As Christians this is our ultimate goal here on Earth; to have our sinful natures overwhelmed by Your Spirit and to walk in the example Christ set for us.

And what steps can we take to fuel this “fundamental change of perspective” Father?  Thankfully, all those answers have been provided for us in Your Word:

Prayer.

Time spent in the Scripture.

Unselfish service to others.

Opening ourselves to Your Voice.

Fellowship.

Forgiveness.

Desire for true transformation.

Such an encompassing phrase this has turned out to be Father.  You’ve given me much to pray on, and even more to strive for.

Thank You Lord, for placing such a powerful impression on my heart with this statement.  I pray for Your guidance and nurturing as I walk along the path You’ve laid in front of me, and for my procession to lead me ever closer to Your footsteps.  May we all find the Transformational Benevolence that brings us joyously to the foot of the cross.  Amen.

~Phather Phil