There are two kinds of reformation. The way each reformation demonstrates its agenda is very different. One way is to try to force people against their will, creating a perpetual cycle of division. The other is to live a life of influence in the place where we live and work so visible and impactful that it will change people’s hearts to say yes to Jesus and begin to follow Him.

I wrote about that kind of reformation in my book, The Sound of Reformation.

God’s reformation is a reformation of influence, not one imposed by force. It’s not a reformation accomplished by swords, votes, or some new promise that we know in our heart of hearts will only be more of the same. It’s a reformation motivated by God’s love for all people. Demonstrating Godly influence is so powerful that it will change people’s hearts.

The psalmist wrote, “They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them” (Psalm 44:3).

If we stray away from God’s kind of reformation, we will become hard and unreasonable, turning those who oppose us into our enemies. It will distance us from those whom the Lord wants to redeem. Jesus said we should take the Gospel to all nations, not just to those with whom we agree, but to those who are currently rejecting God.

What God plans to do in the nations will result from His people seeing that a Godly influence is the most powerful kind of change agent. When this happens, people will be affected by the light of God’s love enough to change a vote or make a different decision that honors God, rather than continue to follow a group that demands more of the same without delivering lasting change.

Influence or force are our two choices. Only when we choose a reformation of influence is supernatural change possible. To do this we need to be free enough to hear the sounds of God’s kind of reformation.