Compliance vs. Conversion!

“Comply” is defined as being [1] ceremoniously courteous and [2] to conform or adapt one’s actions to another’s wishes, to a rule, or to necessity. “Convert” is defined: [1] to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another. [source of definitions: “Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary”, © 1972]

Note the definition for “comply” referred to ceremony and actions. Compliance can merely be performance of an outward nature. On the other hand, conversion goes deeper to the essence of being and relates to a change in perspective. It is possible to comply with any number of rules and regulations (even God’s) without any real conversion having taken place. If our perspective and desires do not change, changes made may not be very long lasting.

Writing to the church at Rome, Paul noted what had taken place in their lives when they had responded to the message of salvation in Christ and had been baptized into Him to rise into a new life. In the process, the old self had been put to death that the life they lived could be lived to God in Christ Jesus. [read Romans 6:1-11] This was not merely outward change, but went much deeper.

Note Paul’s reference to what marked their obedience and life change.
“(17) But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin HAVE BECOME OBEDIENT FROM THE HEART to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, (18) and, having been set free from sin, HAVE BECOME SLAVES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.” ( Romans 6:17-18 ESV)

Their obedience went deeper than merely outward performance. It was FROM THE HEART (or more literally “out from heart”) that they had responded to the truth and committed themselves to it. With an obedience from the inside out they went from being slaves to sin to slaves of righteousness.

It is not coerced religion that is pleasing to God, but rather HEARTFELT that God desires. It is the converted HEART which brings lasting change to life. May we continue to lovingly respond to the God Whom we should always endeavor to please.

Have a great day TOTALLY TRANSFORMED BY THE TRUTH OF GOD!
Carl

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