Devotional - Augustin Garduno

Last time Layo shared about the amazing growth of Christianity in Latin America yet little transformation. We are at a moment where Christianity is becoming a "nice thing". It is fashionable to be a Christian. Athletes and celebrities are becoming Christians. This doesn't mean the society is being transformed.

What are Christians doing in this environment? There have been many bad examples of Christians in politics. One "born again" political leader fled after 2 years due to corruption.

To transform society, we must live a transformed life. Are we living a transformed life?

Christian leaders tend to evaluate growth by programs and materials, not by transformation.

I think we are missing the main point. Once my pastor asked, "how many of you apply what you know about the Bible"? No one responded. He went down to 10%. Most raised their hand. The pastor concluded that they didn't need more learning, they needed more obedience.

Jesus: Teach them to obey everything I commanded you.
Us: Teach them everything I commanded you.

In Acts, those who led did not have encyclopedic knowledge of the Old Testament. They had the Old Testament and Paul's letter's and the Holy Spirit.

Knowledge does not equal power for transformation. I am focusing more on application than knowledge. In Mexico 90% are teaching, 10% application. It should be reversed.

Leaders don't need to be concerned with a lack of materials. We should be concerned with application and transformation.

I became a Christian as a student. A friend led me to Christ by sharing the Gospel. He had only been a Christian for 4 or 5 months. He simply asked to share with me something that changed his life. He led me and several others to Christ. The next week he asked if we wanted to learn more, so he taught us more about the Bible. He was a young Christian, but as he learned, he taught us. Eventually the group expanded to 60 students. His life was transformed, and others were transformed as well.

In one city we have a ministry with businessmen. One of the businesses men received Christ. He went to his partner and said that their business of strippers is not Godly. He left the business. A few months later the same man asked who he should choose, his wife or mistress. He chose his wife. Even though he was a young believer he knew enough to begin to live a transformed life.

Every Bible study meeting is an opportunity to be accountable to others. Often accountability is only one on one. This allows us to hide from accountability.

90% Application; 10% Learning; Evaluating by transformation. Not by what level of learning you have attained.

My prayer is for transformation.