Being transformed in our own lives, our families are influenced. As our families are transform, we influence the community around us. We see times in Christian history when transformation becomes so powerful that whole communities change.

Consider the Welsh Revival. In 1904 there was an intentional spiritual reawakening that swept through Wales.  The country itself was changed. Taverns are emptied. Days when the courtrooms are empty. Even animals are affected.

The small ponies the miners used to move their coal cars underground become confused. They are so used to the curses of their masters, that when miners stop swearing, the ponies don’t understand the commands and don’t know how to follow!

The ideal in our circle of sufficiency is we join God in Trinitarian love and through our relationship with him, we in turn love others in our circle. They join God as well and love us back. Lives are enriched as a result. Together, we share the love outside the circle and we impact the wider community.

We are not so naive to expect everyone will give love after receiving it. This includes those in our circle of influence, as well as out. Yet, we are energized to love as Christ loves knowing that whether it is returned or not it expands us. To be in God’s will is a blessed place.

The first means I use to transform my social life is to “put on Christ.” My Heavenly Father gives me my identity through Jesus.

Perhaps you are familiar with identity theft. This is where someone steals your credit card numbers and/or social security number and begins to make purchases under your name. Sometimes making large transactions as if they were you! There are safeguards to prevent this crime; to protect my identity.

Yet, in the big picture, my true identity is that I am the beloved son of the Father. I am secure. This makes it possible to live a life of self-denial and service toward others. This makes it possible to forgive others and  bless rather than curse. This is a new life.

    Col. 3:10 (NLT)  
    In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you.

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