Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:2
Romans 12:2 is the overall arching verse for this topic of transformation. Paul sums it up beautifully, and we're going to dive deep into this verse as well as the meaning of transformation - what it looks like, feels like, sounds like, and the process of being transformed by Christ.
First of all, what does the word transformation even mean? It means to change in character or condition, to cause a cell to undergo genetic transformation (yes, this actually happens when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior - it's been studied! More details below, so keep reading!) It's associated with words like metamorphosis and transfigure - think caterpillar into a butterfly, which we're also going to chat about here.
If you want to do a self-paced, deeper dive into what God's Word says about transformation, you can get the I Am Transformed Study Pack today from the HisChosenCo Paperie Etsy shop.
Okay, so how is one transformed by Jesus Christ? Lets go back to Romans 12:2; specifically the part that answers this question: "by the renewing of your mind."
Dear one, do you know the part in the bible when Lucifer betrayed God in his heart? This is what he was thinking and feeling: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’" - Isaiah 14:13-14
When we are living for our flesh, rather than the will of Yahweh, this is what we are agreeing to - being like Him. We are His Children, created in His perfect image, but we are not God. We are beloved and chosen, but we are not the Creator of the Heavens or the earth. Frankly, I'm grateful! That's too much for me, personally. No, thank you!
When we allow Jesus' transformative power (think about the transfiguration, which we're going to talk about below) to work in our lives, and we stop trying to figure it all out ourselves, amazing things happen.
The meaning of transfiguration is: an exalting, glorifying, or spiritual change. When Jesus experienced His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, and Luke 9:28–36), His internal and heavenly glory showed outwardly so the disciples could 'get it' (because they really seemed to struggle to understand what He was saying for 3 years). But His human form was different after that - old life vs new life. They look different.
This is true of our lives in Christ. When I began living for Jesus, my life became dramatically different. My thoughts were different, I saw the world differently, I got sober literally overnight, I stopped desiring fleshly and worldly things.
Part of the transformation, oftentimes, is going through a fiery furnace - usually this is after we come to Jesus. Sometimes these trials bring us to Him. These things are meant for harm by the enemy, but God will always use them for Good - His Goodness. I believe it's always to make us look more like Jesus, our Savior.
Think about a caterpillar and a butterfly - the symbol of transformation. The process
is absolutely incredible. Essentially, the caterpillar turns into soup, and then eventually out pops a beautiful, delicate creature. Check out this article for more information. The caterpillar reaches near death, just on the edge, before it can transform!
Hmm... what's that remind me of? Galatians 2:20, which says: I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Also, Romans 6:11, which says: Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
As Christians, we have a job here on earth; a mission, if you will. It's to bring souls back to the Father. While we're doing this job, we are changed. Whether we like it or not, we become new because of the work we must do. It's hard work, and we go through hard seasons and some beautiful ones, but always good. That changes a person, just as it changed Jesus Christ.
I have two challenges for you today: one is to take some time to think about how your life has changed since you met Yeshua as your Savior. Journal about it, or create artwork, or talk to a trusted Brother or Sister in Christ about it. Thank God; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for His transformative work in your mind, soul, spirit, and heart.
The other challenge is to ask the Father to search your heart and see if there is any wickedness inside you, and then remove it from you in the redeeming and transforming name of Jesus Christ the Messiah.
WATCH The I Am Redeemed Video on YouTube and Rumble.
Subscribe to both channels for more videos like it!
Comments
Post a Comment