Sign Of Transformation!

In Paul's letter to the church at Rome, he urged away from becoming like the world to living lives that reflected the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. Rather than being conformed they were to be transformed.

We read. . .
"(1) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (2) Do not be conformed to this world, but BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." ( Romans 12:1-2 ESV)

The Greek word translated "transformed" is "metamorphoo" which probably immediately makes you think of "metamorphosis", which is the process made from caterpillar to butterfly. The Greek word means "to change into another form ('meta', implying change, and 'morphe', form). [source: W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words] "Morphe" has the stress on inward change and Paul used it with reference to the "renewal of YOUR MIND." Rather than allowing the world to squeeze us into its mold of thinking, OUR THINKING is to be transformed in accordance with the higher wisdom of God. That means we must ward off earthly inclinations. We must guard against reacting to life situations in the manner the world often does. We must restrain the impulses to treat as we have been treated and instead treat as we want to be treated. One form of such action would be in accordance with what is right rather than what might actually be deserved. And is that not what we have been on the receiving end from God?

This past Sunday evening as we were discussing some of the verses of this chapter, I (for the very first time) connected verse two with what Paul mentioned later that to me reflects the very kind of transformation of THINKING a God renewed mind will bring about. Though I have noted the first part and the last part of this chapter many times -- being very familiar with the content of those verses -- I had not in the past connected them together in their application. What is reflected in the last verses of this chapter is a manner quite the opposite of the inclinations of the world and perhaps that of our own first impulse as well.

Paul urged. . .
"(14) BLESS THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU; bless and do not curse them. (15) Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (16) Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. (17) REPAY NO ONE EVIL FOR EVIL, but give thought to DO WHAT IS HONORABLE IN THE SIGHT OF ALL. (18) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (19) Beloved, NEVER AVENGE YOURSELVES, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' (20) To the contrary, 'if YOUR ENEMY is hungry, FEED HIM; if he is thirsty, GIVE HIM SOMETHING TO DRINK; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' (21) Do not be overcome by evil, but OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD." ( Romans 12:14-21 ESV)

Yes, there is the RENEWED MIND. There is a MANNER OF THINKING that is quite the opposite of the tendency toward retaliation. It is the THINKING renewed in accordance with the righteousness of God that enables us to respond with blessing, meeting the need, and overcoming with good. May we give ourselves as living sacrifices (setting self and our personal inclinations aside) and deal with those around us in a manner that truly reveals the good, acceptable and perfect Will of God.

Have a great day ALLOWING GOD TO CHANGE THE FORM OF OUR THINKING!
Carl

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