Romans 8:18-25 By making progressive changes little by little, we will eventually transform the world.
Romans 8:18-25 By making progressive changes little by little, we will eventually transform the world.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.
23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.
24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
Background
The glory that awaits God’s children far outweighs their earthly sufferings and the sacrifices they make. As all creation is looking forward to the birth of a new heaven and new earth, our life’s purpose is to transform ourselves and the people for the coming of God’s Kingdom. This is done not instantly but by progressive changes. By changing ourselves little by little, we build unshakable families, communities and nations. Today’s devotion teaches us: By making progressive changes little by little, we eventually transform the world.
Observation
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Paul urges believers to persevere through suffering on two distinct fronts: suffering related to our spiritual transformation, and suffering related to our mission to renew creation.
In spiritual transformation, we deny ourselves in order to be conformed to Christ’s image. In the mission to transform creation, we labour to establish order, justice, love, and godliness in the world. Jesus addressed these two realities when He said,
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself (spiritual formation), and take up his cross (spiritual mission) and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” – Mark 8:34-35.
Spiritual Transformation
We suffer in the process of spiritual transformation because denying ourselves is inherently painful. To follow Christ is to relinquish our former identity, convictions, and personal rights, allowing His character to reshape ours. Such continual self-denial is distressing, for change is never easy. The flesh inclines us to put ourselves first, but spiritual formation compels us to put God first and to see all things from His perspective.
At the same time, we learn to put the interests of others above our own. Christ exemplified this when He surrendered His rights and interests—even to the point of death—to bring salvation to the world (Philippians 2:8).
The Mission to Transform the World
The “cross” represents the mission God entrusts to each believer. As we walk in that calling, we inevitably face opposition, resistance, and spiritual attack. Paul testified that fulfilling his mission to preach the gospel to the gentiles inevitably brought him into suffering (1 Thessalonians 3:3). For this reason, he rejoiced and persevered through harsh trials, unjust treatment, and great internal struggles (Colossians 1:24–25; 2:1).
Scripture affirms that all who choose the path of the cross will encounter suffering (2 Timothy 3:12). The mission to restore creation is costly, but it participates in Christ’s redemptive work.
Yet the believer’s suffering is never meaningless nor endless. Christ will return to bring all suffering to a close and to glorify those who have remained faithful. Our present struggles are temporary; the coming glory is eternal. Therefore, with eyes fixed on the hope of resurrection, believers persevere—knowing that every sacrifice borne for Christ will be surpassed by the glory revealed in us.
19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
All creation possesses intelligence and consciousness. Scripture reveals this in various moments: a donkey spoke out against Balaam’s mistreatment (Numbers 22:28); the mountains, hills, and trees are described as singing and clapping in testimony to God’s faithfulness (Isaiah 55:12); and even stones are said to cry out in praise at the arrival of Jesus (Luke 19:40). Paul likewise teaches that creation itself “eagerly longs” for release from the curse of futility. This longing is reflected in the increasing turbulence of the natural world—earthquakes, volcanic activity, and intensified weather patterns.
From the beginning, God ordained that all creation would be subject to humanity. Man was intended both as the head of creation and as a participant within it. Yet through Adam’s disobedience, humanity—and with it, all creation—fell under the dominion of the devil. As a result, the created order came under a curse, and life became fraught with hardship:
And to the man he said,
“Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree
whose fruit I commanded you not to eat,
the ground is cursed because of you.
All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it.
18 It will grow thorns and thistles for you,
though you will eat of its grains.
19 By the sweat of your brow
will you have food to eat
until you return to the ground
from which you were made.
For you were made from dust,
and to dust you will return.” – Genesis 3:17-19
Ever since the fall, creation has been subjected to corruption, decay, and death. The earth’s meteorological, geological, ecological, political, social, and spiritual systems have all been thrown into disorder. The realities of global warming and frequent natural disasters are manifestations of humanity’s sin and the brokenness of the world.
The redemption of creation begins with the restoration of humanity—its righteousness, authority, and sonship—through Jesus Christ. As Jesus proclaimed:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. – John 3:16-17
Through His sacrifice, Jesus broke the curse of sin and death, setting creation on the path toward freedom from its bondage. And it is through the Son—and through the sons of God who walk in His likeness—that the world will ultimately be delivered from futility and ushered into the glory God intended from the beginning.
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.
Creation longs to be renewed from its present state of corruption and decay. Paul likens this renewal to the pains of childbirth—an image that captures both the intensity of suffering and the certainty of new life. Yet the pain associated with renewal is not limited to childbirth alone; it is an existential and universal experience in the restoration of all things, even within the spiritual realm.
For believers, this renewal begins with the rebirth of the spirit. The Holy Spirit is given to us as a firstfruits—a divine deposit guaranteeing the full redemption still to come. This initial regeneration marks the beginning of our transformation, but the process will reach its completion only when Christ returns and our mortal bodies are redeemed. Then, spirit, soul, and body will be fully renewed, and the groaning of creation will give way to the glory of the new world God has prepared.
24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
The rebirth of our spirit, our bodies, and all creation is a process both arduous and painful. This renewal mirrors the travail of childbirth—full of strain yet leading to incomparable glory. What makes this journey even more challenging is that the new creation, which God is bringing forth, has not yet fully appeared. And even if glimpses of it were granted to us, we would not be able to grasp or appreciate its fullness, for God’s thoughts far exceed human comprehension and His ways are infinitely higher than ours.
Therefore, as we wait for the completion of our salvation, we must anchor our hope in God’s unchanging promises. The Spirit has been given to us as our Comforter, our Sustainer, and the guarantee of what is to come. With His help, we persevere through present sufferings, confident that the glory awaiting us will far outweigh them all.
Truth
By making progressive changes little by little, we will eventually transform the world.
If my children are yet mature, I cannot let them manage my businesses or give them the inheritance. Even if my company is presently run by unrighteous people, I will not be pressured to hand the company to my children. To do so will only subject my children to unrighteous influence and ruin them. Similarly, until the sons of God are ready, God will not give us the authority to rule over it. If God gives His children the authority to rule creation when they are not ready will be like Adam’s story all over again.
How do we get ourselves ready? By making progressive changes to ourselves, families and communities little by little. Small progressive steps are more stable and enduring than draconian leaps. When the children of Israel were freed from Egypt to enter the promised land, God said that He would not drive out the inhabitants of the promised land all at once until Israel was ready to rule over it.
“I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land” – Exodus 23:29-30.
God introduced a series of minute changes over a period of time. Israel is founded on theocracy and the Law. But Israel was impatient with the pace of development and wanted a king. God gave the people what they wanted in a king and Saul was appointed. And the next 40 years saw the darkest times of Israel’s history until David was appointed to succeed Saul.
Israel was not ready because:
- Their population was not big enough to occupy the whole territory, much less defend themselves from beasts of the field
- They have not developed the leadership/political/legislative structures to govern the land
- They have not acquired the virtues and wisdom to rule in compassion and righteousness.
What about structures, systems and processes? We cannot run our families, communities and nations using structures, systems and processes alone. People need to change their thinking, values system and habits. People need time to build trust in one another. Little by little, as people change beginning with their souls, families, communities and whole nations will follow.
That said, many possess magical thinking. We suppose by wishing it away in Jesus’s name, we will not have to deal with ourselves or the problems at hand. Many move from company to company hoping to land the “ideal” job. Some move from relationship to relationship in hopes of finding the “ideal” soul mate who will bear with their whims and fancies. Yet many rush to expand their companies and churches only to incur many setbacks and problems.
During crisis, those who understand the little by little principle are better equipped to introduce measures to handle the crisis and emerge stronger. Strong communities and companies are built over time and over countless crisis. Easy victories are not as enduring as those that were difficult and won through hard work.
God is not building a kingdom that is prone to shaking, but a kingdom that is unshakeable. Therefore, let us not lose heart, but persevere in transforming the world little by little beginning with ourselves. All creation is waiting for the maturing of the sons of God, so that we may rule over it in righteousness.
Application
- Let us not be hasty to solve problems, or to sweep them underneath the carpet. But analyse the problem and introduce changes and mindset shifts to solve them.
- Let us not treat people as mere instruments of work but to love and help them grow.
- Let us not put work performance as the centrality of life. But rather people’s spiritual wellbeing according to Christ’s image.
- Let us read the bible and understand it little by little.
- Let us save the world little by little by touching one soul at a time.
- Let us live by taking joy in the little routines of life.
Dear Lord, give me the wisdom to change myself little by little. Help me introduce more love, peace and trust into my family and workplace. Give me authority little by little so that I may rule with you in wisdom and righteousness. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.