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
What area in your life would you like to see the transformation? How would this change impact your closest relationships?
Read Romans 12:3-21
This past week in my children’s ministries, we talked about sanctification. We learned that it is a process of changing. It doesn’t happen instantly, but how it will take the rest of our lives going through the process. We all have areas that always will need to be transformed.
Paul urged the believers in Rome to put their lives on the altar as a living sacrifice and encouraged them to renew their minds. He gave them examples of the change process through Christ. Tadpoles turned into frogs and caterpillars turn into butterflies. As believers, we become more and more like Jesus. Our change doesn’t affect only us in our attitude and behaviors, but also those who we are around, family, friends, associated people, and strangers.
A changed person’s life might reveal that they are honest in their evaluation of themselves. We are not to think of ourselves better than we really are. We need to see ourselves as part of Christ’s body for serving one another. These changes are not selfish or independent. These changes show an other-centered posture of interdependence. In renewing our minds, Christ shows us our need for Him and others. Change happens within us when we see our value by God and commissioned by HIm to use our gifts in significant ways.
Read 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; and 1 Peter 4 to reveal more gifts.
We were created to serve others in unique ways God has gifted us, and allowing Him to work through us benefits us as well. When we use our gifts, it can revitalize us. Have you ever experienced spiritual renewal or growth as you used your gifts?
Romans 9-21 talks about some commands that also show a redeemed life. A changed life will show that we really love others. We hate what is wrong. We hold onto what is good. We honor one another. We are not lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord joyfully. Rejoice in our confident hope in Jesus. We are patient. We keep on praying. We are ready to help those who need help. We live in harmony with others. These are just a few to mention. Really read this section of scripture and jot down what God is speaking in your heart.
As long as we are here on earth, we will always be battling sin and temptation. However, as believers, we are changing daily as long as we are seeking God and letting him make the changes in our lives that need to be changed.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this glorious day, in this crazy time of our lives. I pray that even though we are going through this crazy time, we know that you are in control and you have it all handle. I pray that you will use us as you need to. I pray that our change will shine out to others and that we will give you the glory.
In Jesus Name
Amen
