Shakespeare said it, "to be or not to be; that is the question."

Two friends and I were sitting together this morning discussing the meaning of the Greek verb "metamorphousthe" (english transliteration). The root "metamorpho" means to transform or transfigure, and the ending means in essence "you all, receive this (verb) and be it." As I pondered on it for a moment, I was struck by the question, how is one "to receive being transformed?" Doesn't transformation require action in order to prove that one has changed? Can inaction be action?

As I thought about it I realized that my concept of transformation is directly tied to some type of activity. Do, do, do. Show that you've changed. By all means don't just sit there. Work hard. Play hard. Just do it.

So, how is it possible to be transformed? Or even just to be? If the definition of be is "to exist in a certian manner", can I "exist" transformed without doing anything?

Then it started to become clear as my friends and I thought about the possibility. The verse was stating that I should not try to think that any transformation was happening by way of my actions, rather I must only receive the changes being done to me and exist in them. Continually receive being transformed. Wow. Thinking about the love of God and the work of Christ in that way truly brings me to a place of humility. My "rightness" is as filthy rags. There is nothing I can do to earn righteousness. My inaction (at this stage) is the best possible action. Nothing to brag about. Nothing to take credit for. The changes were and are being done to me.

It's hard. I'm conditioned to work. Earn a living. Prove myself. But God's plan is different.

To be or not to be...