Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. – Romans 12:2
Transformation is the fun in science fiction! It takes an average young man silently slipping around the corner and causes him to emerge swinging from buildings on a web shooting from his wrist. Transformation is also so ordinary you do not even notice it! Every person you encounter is in the middle of a process. For the believer, that process is of being molded into the likeness of God’s beloved Son Jesus Christ. Even for the lost, the process may be one that God is using to eventually bring them to Himself.
It is important to understand that trajectory in your spiritual life, for yourself as well as others. As your life is shaped by the cross of Jesus Christ, do not be surprised when challenges and difficulties from worldly opposition arise. The Savior said His followers would ensure suffering as He did. You also, after undergoing the death of your self-will, will find new power in Christ’s resurrection and enjoy a closer relationship with the Father.
As your transformation to Christ-likeness progresses, your very thoughts will be re-wired, trading a focus on this world’s pleasures and comforts to an unmeasurable joy found in fellowship with God through His Spirit living in your heart. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you… I will put My Spirit with you and cause you to walk in My statutes” (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Take a moment to consider how different you are today from a year ago—thank God for the ways He has transformed your life and ask Him to continue to change your life for His glory. Pray for America to become increasingly defined by God-honoring values and people devoted to His worship, becoming Christ-like in compassion and hope for the world to see.
Today’s Verse: Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Corinthians 3:14-18
14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
