If some of you grew up in the 1980s, you probably know about "The Transformers." It was a classic series that depicted a war between robots that would transform into these cool vehicles, animals, and other objects. It was every kid’s dream to have one of those Transformer toy robots. Recently, Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures even came out with a movie called, "Transformers."

Also, the word, "transformation" was plastered on mainstream T.V. in reality T.V. shows, in particular, "Extreme Makeover" and the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." There was something about seeing people and even their homes being completely transformed that lured T.V. audiences week after week. It really struck a chord with people because we all long for change in our lives.

So what is it about "transformation" that people are drawn to it like a moth to a light?

The word "transform" in the Greek is "metamorphoo." It is where we get the word, "metamorphosis." The American Heritage Dictionary defines, "metamorphosis" as "change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means; striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances."

It is not just a subtle change, but a "striking alteration" of the circumstances we are in or the people we are. There are some changes that just happen naturally and there are some that require some "supernatural means." God is in the business of transformation and He does it supernaturally.

There was a time in redemptive history where everything was good. In fact, God specifically called everything that He made "very good" (Gen 1:31). But when sin came into the picture, it left things marred and disfigured from what God had originally intended. Since then, there has been this longing to see all things restored to its original purposes. It is as if something was formed, then deformed, and now there is a hunger for it to be transformed.

So how does this apply to us in our generation?

In our generation, there is this longing for transformation in many hearts of those whose sole allegiance is to Christ. It is a longing for realigning things to God’s intended purposes. They look around and see that there are things that are "not the way it is supposed to be." We don’t have to go very far to see some of the global issues like poverty, AIDS/HIV, human rights, etc. blaring right at us. The question is: "What does a person, who has trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, do in light of the current global landscape?"

I believe every follower of Christ has an innate desire for transformation because it is part of his/her spiritual journey (from the beginning to the end). When a person first comes to receive Christ, he experiences transformation instantly in terms of justification and a right standing before God. The Book of Ephesians in chapter 2 nicely lays out this transformation. Some phrases that depict it in chapter 2 are: "you were" (v. 1); "you used to live" (v. 2); "but because" (v. 4); "therefore" (v. 11); "you were" (v. 12); "but now" (v. 13); and "consequently" (v. 19). Simply put, as the Apostle Paul stated to the people of Corinth, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Co 5:17)

Then at the end of the spiritual journey, we notice that we will be completely transformed (glorification). The Apostle Paul mentions to the people of Philippi that as we wait for Christ’s return, God who "enables [Christ] to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Phil 3:21).

Our transformation is like a caterpillar turning into a beautiful butterfly. It offers hope. It reminds us of God's power and His ability to transform things. It makes us thankful for the Gospel.

But what do we do in between the start of the journey and the end? This is where we have to live out the calling that God has given to us. As followers of Christ, we are reminded that we are to live life as if we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Jesus said, "A city set on a hill cannot be hidden... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Mt 5:14, 16, NKJV).

There is a responsibility then for the follower of Christ to start engaging in every sphere of society in order to allow the salt and the light to penetrate. Abraham Kuyper, a Dutch theologian, politician, journalist, university founder, and influential thinker, said in one of his famous speeches, "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: 'Mine!'"

If everything belongs to God, then we want to partner with Him in allowing all of God’s colors to be displayed in these spheres of society.

Throughout some of my travels around the globe, I have noticed that there are at least seven specific spheres that are evident in most societies. I have structured them with the acronym CHARGED: the spheres of Commerce, Healthcare, Arts & Media, Religious Institutions, Government & Politics, Education and Domestic issues. Each of these realms are avenues in which Christ-followers can engage in with their vocations and studies.

As we see God-centered transformation being brought to these spheres we will start seeing glimpses of the Kingdom of God that was proclaimed by Jesus throughout the Gospels.

This is why we started this movement called "transformasphere." We simply desire to see God’s transformative power in each of the seven spheres. As we "transform-a-sphere," more people will not only come to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior but they will bring glory to God. It will be the fulfillment of Apostle John’s vision in Revelation 7:9-12:

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’ All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: ‘Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!'"