Do not be conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is –
his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
One of my guilty pleasures is watching Flea Market Flip. It’s amazing how the contestants see potential in items that many of us would consider useless or shabby. In one day, contestants transform their finds into furniture or décor that is both useful and appealing.
Yesterday, I stated that discipleship calls us to cultivate an open mind and a teachable spirit. If we are to become true disciples, we must be willing to let His Spirit transform our thought patterns so we see from His perspective rather than with our limited understanding; circumstances are no longer the consequence of ‘luck’ or ‘chance’ but are the direct result of Christ’s work in our lives. We cannot be true followers of Christ and still cling to our old ways. Discipleship is a lifestyle that compels us to change the way we think, the way we live, and the way we act.
The Message translates this verse, “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.”
Transformation is challenging. It’s not easy to surrender intellectual control and immediate gratification in exchange for patient trust. But when our way of thinking is changed, when our hearts yearn to be more like Him, then change turns into a positive rather than a negative. We become useful to Him. Transformation may involve pain, loss, hardships, and struggles, but all God asks is that we trust Him and move forward one step at a time.
One day we will stand before God’s throne and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Then we will acknowledge that it was worth it all.
Thought: “I want to change my circumstances. God wants to change me.” – Rick Warren
For further reading:
- Ephesians 4:22-24
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Colossians 3:10
- 1 John 2:15-17
Excerpt from my devotional A Year in God’s Classroom