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 encourages believers to persevere amid sufferings on two fronts: suffering that relates to our spiritual transformation; and suffering that relates to the mission to transform creation. In spiritual transformation, we deny ourselves to conform to Christ’s image. In the mission to transform creation, we labour to establish order, justice, love and godliness in the world. Jesus said concerning these two fronts,
“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 experience suffering because we have to constantly deny ourselves. In the process, we disown our current identity, convictions and personal rights to conform to Christ, the Lord. Having to constantly deny one’s identity and character is distressing because change is difficult. Our fleshly nature inclines towards putting ourselves first. But in spiritual transformation, we endeavour to put God first and to see things from His perspective. At the same time, we put the interests of the community before ours. To save the world, Jesus denied His rights and interests even to the point of death (see Philippians 2:8).
The Mission to Transform the World
The cross represents the mission that God has entrusted to each. In the course of accomplishing the mission, we suffer the attacks of demonic agents. Paul declared that to fully carry out his mission (to preach the word to the gentiles), suffering becomes inevitable (see 1 Thessalonians 3:3). For this purpose, Paul rejoices and perseveres amid great struggles of beatings and unjust treatments (see Colossians 1:24-25, 2:1). The bible says when believers walk on the path of the cross, suffering is inevitable (see 2 Timothy 3:12).
That said, the believer’s suffering is not without an end. For Christ will come to put an end to all suffering and to glorify the faithful.
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.
The Bible personifies creation as having human characteristics. A donkey spoke out in protest against Balaam’s mistreatment (see Numbers 22:28). The mountains, hills, and trees of the field sing and clap to bear witness to God’s faithfulness (see Isaiah 55:12). And even the stones sing praises at the coming of Jesus (see Luke 19:40). Here, Paul declares that creation is anxiously and eagerly longing for release from the curse of futility.
Since the beginning, it has always been God’s plan to subject all creation under man. Man is not only the head of creation but also part of creation itself. Regrettably, Adam’s disobedience has enslaved humanity and all creation to the devil. As a result, all creation was cursed and life became increasingly difficult.
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 of man, creation was subjected to the curse of corruption and death. The world’s meteorological, geological, political, ecological, social and spiritual order has been in disarray. The phenomenon of global warming and frequent natural disasters are the direct result of humanity’s sins.
The way to redeem the world from futility is to restore humanity to righteousness and sonship through Jesus Christ. Jesus said,
“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
Jesus’s sacrifice broke the curse of sin and death freeing creation from slavery. And it is through the Son and the sons of God that the world is saved from futility and death.
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 is seeking to be renewed from the state of corruption and depravity. The process of renewal is likened to childbirth where a new person is initiated into the world. That said, the pain of initiation or renewal is not limited to childbirth. Pain is existential and universal in the renewal of all things, even things in the realm of the spirit. The believer experiences rebirth and redemption beginning with his spirit. Here, the Spirit is given to believers as a deposit (first fruits of the Spirit) towards the ultimate redemption of our bodies at the coming of Jesus Christ.
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 process of rebirth that involves our spirit, our bodies and all of creation is arduous and painful. And the fact that we do not yet see the shape and form of the new creation makes it all the more difficult. But even if we do glimpse the form of the new creation, we will not be able to appreciate or comprehend it. For God’s thoughts are incomprehensible and His ways higher than ours. Therefore, while waiting for our salvation, we must establish our hope in God’s promises. And persevere with the Spirit as our Comforter and guarantee.
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.