I can't think of anything that pleases the Lord more than transformation and persevering commitment. The first, is when someone is made new, fresh, born again, enlivened and living differently. The second, is when someone keeps fresh, enlivened, living differently and holding the course when the pressure is on. We don't typically put the two together- tranformation and persevering commitment. But, they should be. One is turning the corner. The other is staying in the right direction once the corner is turned. Both, set a person toward the destination. The second cannot happen without the first. The first means very little in the long run without the second.
I just received an email from a brother who has resigned a position because he was being asked to compromise and capitulate. He refused. His ministry has been one of ministering transformation to people in the greatest need. However, his persevering commitment to that kind of ministry put him in the unenviable and faith requiring position to stop doing what he loves and is paid to do for the sake of Christ.
I just finished a board meeting at a fine Christian institution of higher education- Seattle Pacific University- where transformation was the core of the conversation and a persevering commitment to stay the course and do the right thing became evident as a primary concern in trying times. The commitment to do the right thing and see the right outcomes regardless of pressure won the day of the board and the administration.
In both of these cases today I saw two things that must please the Lord, a missional focus on transforming people and a dogged determination to make sure nothing stands in the way from committing to the tranforming work of Christ. In the long run, God is not only pleased, but sure to bless. Thanks the Lord.