Who would think that actors and politicians would be good singers? In the decades of the sixties and seventies, quite a few listeners. Released as novelty records, this peculiar trend placed the most unlikely celebrities singing and recording songs that were, at best, out of character and usually outside their vocal range. There were many unforgettable renditions of popular songs. World heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali belted out “Proud Mary.” Talk show host Merv Griffin coaxed a rousing “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” But my favorite will always be William Shatner, aka Captain Kirk of “Star Trek”, doing a hallucinatory reading of the Beatles classic, “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” culled from the unforgettable album, “The Transformed Man.”
I am an avid Star Trek fan and, although there have been many newer incarnations on the big screen and streaming services, the original television series from the sixties still has a fresh charm and innocence. William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk, brought an indelible acting style with dramatic pauses and accents on words and phrases. He did not stray too far out of character for this epic performance! Although the album touted him as a transformed man, he couldn’t disguise his true identity and personality.
When we encounter celebrities in situations that are not expected, it rivets our attention because we can still discern their core personality and idiosyncrasies. Is the same is true with our spiritual lives? Some people state they can see the love of Jesus Christ in another, and why not? The personality and character of Jesus Christ are indelible. If we are truly seeking to emulate the life of our Lord and Savior, we should strive to continually reflect this perfection. The glorious sinless and flawless character of Jesus will always supersede and conquer any personality flaws we may have.
The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
Hebrews 1:3 (NLT)
How can we do this? How do we become a transformed man? It is not by our own efforts, placing ourselves in different situations, or acquiring a new personality. Only by confessing and repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior can we truly become a transformed person through God’s Holy Spirit who indwells within us. It is only through His power that we will be able to radiate the perfection of Jesus by cleansing us from our sins.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 