Transformed

Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies (dedicating ALL OF YOURSELVES, SET APART) as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rationale (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world (any longer with its superficial values and customs), but be TRANSFORMED and PROGRESSIVELY changed (as you mature spiritually) by the renewing of your MIND (focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (in HIS PLAN AND PURPOSE FOR YOU).”

What a plethora of nuggets that fill these scriptures! Wow there is so much to pull from here, but I’d like to just focus in on a couple things.

Now, notice the last few words of this ….. “His plan and purpose for you”. Now let’s back up and see HOW we get to His perfect plan and purpose for ourselves. Paul begins by urging us to dedicate ALL OF OURSELVES to progressively be transformed. Now, let’s take a look at a few words here……That word “urging” means to try earnestly and persistently. So Paul is trying earnestly and persistently (over and over and over) to point us in the direction of dedicating ourselves to be set apart from the superficial things of this world and to focus on Godly values and Godly attitudes. And then he follows up with…”be transformed (progressively changing)” by focusing on these things. The word you see here “transformed” is not to be confused with the word “transport”. The word transport refers to going from one destination to another (like when you fly in an airplane). But the message (one of the messages) Paul is trying to get across to us is that as we step out into our lives dedicated to Christ there will be a process!! Look back, the word transformed means progressively changing….meaning it’s a process folks!! When we make the decision to follow our Lord and Savior, we don’t automatically shed the old us and instantly turn into some super spiritual guru!!! Guess what? It’s takes time….and I might add…..A LOT OF TIME! It would be ridiculous for us to plant a tomato plant and expect to see the tomato the next morning….there is a cultivating, growing, and maturing that goes on. And when the time has come……the tomato appears. Ya see, God changes us from the inside out, not the outside in. Religion wants to change our outward appearance first, but God cares about our inward lives and the health of our souls which when cultivated…..changes our outward person. What is important to understand here is that we should recognize and embrace the “process”. Contrary to our liking, we go from “glory to glory” as the Bible says….meaning….one step at a time. We do not go from A and skip to D or Z….we progress as we grow in our inner man ….. one step of growth at a time!

So how do we get to the perfect will and plan of God for our lives? Progressively…..step by step…. don’t stop, don’t quit, and don’t start to question if you are not seeing your tomatoes yet…..they’re coming…..just keep watering your soul with God’s truths and you will see the “fruit”!!!

Blessing!