I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2
As I was meditating, clearly I heard there is not only a need for the people of God to be transformed but there is urgency for a total transformation. And not just of the mind, body and soul, but in every aspect of our lives that does not align itself with the will of God. Paul’s message in this passage to the Romans begins with him asking earnestly for them to present themselves wholly to God and not try to fit in with the world but transform your lives by remembering what you’ve been taught because a life of righteousness is a life to be lived. Without a doubt, the enemy would have us to believe that we are right where we need to be, doing what we need to do and still be in the will of God. He is good at intentionally misleading and misinforming, because that's his job, to deceive.
When we look at the word transformation, it simply means a complete change. Although there are several definitions we could consider; a conversion in nature, in condition; to convert, which means to change from one use, function, or purpose to another and adapt to a new or different purpose. This brought another scripture to mind, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor 5:7). This tells us that God wants a complete and total conversion because we cannot represent Him as Christians or children of the Most High God and still live our same old man life with our same old ways. We can't have it our way or have our own agendas and do it in the name of Jesus. Where is the change? If we are to conform to this walk, then all the old ways must die (Eph 4:22-24).
Of course, we will be constantly bombarded with the enticements of the world, and the enemy will try to make us believe that we can still have the best of both worlds. Not so. Yes, we must live, work and do business in it, but it cannot be our way of life any longer but a life of righteousness... but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: (Phil 3:13-15). We must be a true testament to who we profess to be, especially if we say we love God (read reference: I John 2:4-6, 15-16). How do I know, because it reflects in our actions, our reactions, and in our attitudes. The Word requires us to do a self evaluation and examination daily to see if we are where we need to be; presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, keeping it holy and pleasing to God, because this is the least we can do in our service to the Lord. Renewing our minds continuously so we exemplify what is good and acceptable, and the perfect will of God.
The Lord wants transformed lives; lives that reflect Him. We must represent Him at all times and not just on Sunday in the presence of the church. Trust me, God is not fooled, for He knows all and He sees all and is yet, merciful. It's time to take a hard look to see where we are falling short of the glory of God and make an honest effort to work on getting a total and complete transformation today! You'll love the new look!
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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