And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 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 12:1-2
Do you find it hard to not conform to this world? Is it easy to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing?
Paul, also, tells us what not to do. We are not to conform to this world. He uses the verb suschematizo. This means to conform one’s self to another pattern. Paul then uses a passive verb, metamorphoo, that means to change into another form, to transform, to transform, to transfigure. Does this word make you think of an English word? How about metamorphosis. Does this word take you back to your science classes? It sure did for me. I thought of caterpillars and tadpoles. These are animals that literally transform into something else. They also go into a process. God wants to change us also. Metamorphoo is a passive verb because it is something that God does, not us. Paul went through this. Instead of persecuting Christians, he started to share Jesus with everyone. Yet, being transformed was an ongoing process for him.
What are some things in our world that we should not conform too? These can be behaviors and patterns. We need to be on guard not to conform to these things. Here are some patterns and behaviors that we should not conform to – selfishness, greed, lust, jealousy, and pride. Did you come up with anything else?
What are some ways that we can renew our minds to allow God to transform us? We pray, read the bible, memorize scripture, attend church, and listening to worship music. How about these other areas? Do you apply these to your daily walk? Sitting quietly and intentionally focus on Jesus. Using discernment to think about what you have read, heard, or watched on any electronics. Do you identify irrational or ungodly thoughts and taking them “captive” to gain control of your mind? How about reading, interpreting, and applying God’s word? How about being engaged with other believers? How about a gratitude list?
Much of our spiritual battle happens in our thoughts. This is why it is so important to let God transform us and we do our part in focusing constantly on God and obey Him. We must be careful of what we let into our minds and what comes out.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wonderful ways of transforming us. I pray that we will do what we need to do to keep renewing our minds so that you can transform us.
In Jesus Name
Amen
