Do not conform 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.
A transformer can be defined as a person or thing that causes or undergoes a change in appearance, structure, character, etc.
In the 80s there was a toy making company known as Hasbro. The name originally came from the Hassenfeld Brothers who were three Polish- Jewish brothers.- Herman, Hillel, and Henry Hassenfeld. Hasbro company launched the successful Transformers toy line along with a children's animated TV series which currently has evolved into up to seven Transformers sequel movies. As I was growing up, I remember watching the Transformers cartoons including some of the sequels of the movies, which are science fictions films are about a race of aliens/robots that transform into a vehicles.
The word Transform means to metamorphose or to undergo a change in form, appearance, or character.
For instance, when you see a caterpillar, you would not think it will one day become a glorious and beautiful butterfly. The caterpillar undergoes a process where it transforms from a slow-moving, leaf-eating crawling worm-like creature, and becomes a flying, colourful, and special insect. Just like the butterfly, as believers we are transformed from carnal, sinful, proud, greedy, and self-centred people to becoming holy, spiritual, self-giving, and Christ-like beings.
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Be transformed by being renewed
God’s ultimate goal for us is to make us like Christ.When you believe in Jesus, God saves you from your sin. (Colossians 1:13 NLT For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,)
But He also takes you, a through the process of sanctification and transforms you into the image and likeness of his Son Jesus.
Paul writes to Christians about transformation in Romans 12:2 and he encourages us not to conform to worldly patterns. This means there is we can be enticed and lured to copy a worldly way of doing things. Lot in found himself drawn to live in Sodom.(see Genesis 13:10-11NLT Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) [11] Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram.)
What we learn in the next few chapters, however, proves that this decision is unwise. Lot's choice to move his large estate to the east and settle near Sodom will prove destructive in the end.
The lure to conform to the pattern of this world system ends up in destruction.
Paul however, urges us to to be transformed by renewing our minds. Our thoughts influence our attitudes, decisions, and actions. By changing our thoughts and aligning them with God's Word, we can change our lives for the better. We are not to be like everyone else in this world and in this age. We are instead to be like Jesus and to be all who God created and called us to be.
What happens when we renew our mind? I’m glad you asked!
When we renew our minds, then we “ . . . may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
I don’t know about you but in 2024 I want to fulfill the will of God for my life. If we renew our minds, then we can know the will of God.
Here are some tips to renew your mind:
1. Study and meditation of God's word
Psalm 119:11 ESV I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:105 ESV Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
God's Word transforms us. It serves as a guide, providing light for our path and helping us distinguish right from wrong. “The Bible was not given for our information, but for our transformation.” D.L. Moody
By feeding our minds with the truths in God’s word, we are transformed to become better disciples of Christ, walking in the freedom and wisdom that only His truth can bring.
2. Prayer
Prayer transforms us and is God’s gracious invitation to participate in his plans. Prayer brings our desires into conformity with God’s desires. One of the things Jesus taught His disciples about prayer is about inviting the influence of God's kingdom and will to be established on earth.
Matthew 6:10 NKJV Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
As we pray, we begin to gain the ability to properly discern God’s will. Then, as God continues to transform us, we find ourselves embracing his plans and purposes for our lives. Ps Lakers recently shared some interesting facts based on a study by Andrew Newberg on the neuroscience behind prayer and how it transforms our brain by rewiring it.
3. Focus on Godly thoughts
Listen to what Paul says in Philippians 4:8 NKJV Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
4. Hang out with godly people
As Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” I thank God for the various opportunities available for us to fellowship whether it's at church, connect groups, MAGH HangOuts or online prayer sessions. These kind of atmospheres will help in our transformation.
Transformed by The Holy Spirit
We have been transformed by God’s Spirit, and we are now part of God’s royal family. Instead of being held captive by our past, we are blameless and free in Him.
1 Peter 2:9 NIV But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
The Holy Spirit is capable of bringing about lasting transformation in our lives.
The Bible is full of stories of people that were transformed by the the Holy Spirit.
When the Holy Spirit filled the disciples on the day of Pentecost, He transformed them and they became world changers. We're created with a spirit, a human spirit, that is designed to be filled with the Holy Spirit He teaches us to how to walk in the Spirit, live in the Spirit and how to be continualy filled with the Spirit. ( Acts 17:28
ESV [28] for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’)
Only when the Holy Spirit renews, re-educates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed.( see Romans 8:5-6 NLT Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. [6] So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.)
Daily we must yearn to develop intimacy in our relationship with the Holy Spirit because his way brings transformation, life and peace.
Become a transformer
We are not just meant to be transformed but to become transformers in our society. We live in a broken fallen world that is full of darkness but we are called to be the light in the midst of the darkness.There is no mistaking the effect of light upon a darkened place. It brings transformation.
John 1:5 ESV The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
1] Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. [2] For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. [3] And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
GoÄŹs desire is to transform you by filling you with His light. He wants you to shine as a brilliant testimony of His presence and power in your life, so that the darkness in the lives of those around you will be displaced by the light of God's glory.If, however, you notice the world around you becoming darker and darker, don't blame the darkness! It is simply doing what darkness does. The only remedy for darkness is light. Followers complain about the darkness, Leaders turn on the light - Shane Willard
Matthew 5:14-15 ESV [14] “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
There was no ignoring Jesus' arrival upon earth! Darkness was dispelled! Everywhere Jesus went, God's truth was boldly proclaimed, people were healed, hypocrisy was exposed, and sinners found forgiveness.The world was never the same once the Father introduced His light through His Son.
Can that be said of you as well? Do your coworkers recognize the light that is within you? Does the presence of Christ radiate from your home into your community?
For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
When God's light is allowed to shine unhindered through your transformed life, the darkness around you will be dispelled.
Be a beacon of light —don’t shut your light off from the rest of the world. Let us arise and shine as we allow the light of Christ shine and transform those around us. May His light cause us to become transformers of the world.
Reflections
Our entire Christian life is defined by submitting our will to God’s, and, thus, being transformed to his character. As we pursue an intimate relationship with God this year, we are becoming more and more like Jesus day by day. Our transformation will last a lifetime, and our end-goal is to be like Christ in everything – in complete likeness in character, mind, and speech.
