“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” – Romans 12:2
One thing the devil cannot counterfeit is a transformed life. The above scripture tells us not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Transformation doesn’t come through human effort or getting everything right. It doesn’t occur because we never make mistakes. It comes by renewing our mind! There is a marked distinction between being Conformed – and being Transformed. Being Conformed is when we adapt to an outer influence or system, which requires effort, whereas Transformation is a change from within. According to the scripture, that transformation comes by renewing, or, more accurately, renovating our mind. Religion demands that people conform to its dogma. But Jesus comes into our lives and transforms us supernaturally through the new birth!
Once we’re born again, we need to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God, ready to serve Him, and get our minds renewed with the Word of God. If we are going to successfully transform our world, we first need to be walking in the reality of our own transformation.
We need to acknowledge that the New Testament furnishes us with the keys to transformation, and those keys unlock the power of God as we simply DO what God says to do! When we begin to think not too highly of ourselves but rather, think of ourselves according to the faith we’ve been given; when we become doers of the Word and not hearers only, when we love one another, the world will take note. When we don’t render evil for evil, but overcome evil with good, the world will begin to see the real Jesus alive in us! When we are diligent, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality; when we bless those who persecute us; rejoice with those who rejoice; and weep with those who weep… these are the works that will bring transformation to our world, because they come from a transformed life!
These are the attributes of a transformed life. When we get out of the way enough for the Word of God to dwell richly in us, and for the Holy Spirit to lead us, we will then be qualified to let our light so shine before men that they might see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven!
With Love,
Pastor Tom