A Life Presented to God – Part 3

“…but be transformed by the renewing of your ming…” Romans 12:2b

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It’s much easier for a transformation to occur when you’ve already made that decisive decision to give yourself wholly unto God and have begun to adjust the attitude of your mind to withstand the life of the world. Still transformation is not easy per se, but the groundwork has been laid for a firm foundation.

In the text the word “mind” also includes the heart, and in view of the fact that the Bible says our heart is deceitful above all things (Jer. 17:9) we should heed the transformation of both. One quick word on transformation, though before we get too far ahead. Transformation is not a quick fix for sanctification. You don’t get saved and are immediately transformed into the image of Christ, you are imputed the righteousness of Christ, but there is still much work to be done. It doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process of faith that trusts (relies on God) and commits to putting our flesh to death. It’s not always fun either. Transformatino usually doesn’t occur on the mountaintop, though it can. The renewal of our heart and mind is a continual process. If we understand that we will keep the temptation of despair at bay.

Let’s take a minute to review,
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not 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 12:1-2, NIV).
A life that grasps how God’s mercy works is a life that is diametrically opposed, a nonconformist, to the world’s customs and ideas. So, now we are at the renewal of our minds. As we view God’s mercy, by consecrating ourself to Him, and begin to align our thoughts, attitudes, and actions to His we develop a new affection and our life changes. The commands of the Lord are no longer a burden to us (1 Jn. 5:3) and we delight in His laws, which are better than gold and sweeter than honey (Ps. 19:7-10). We have aligned ourself with the word that 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” (Galatians 2:20, NASB).

As our minds are being reformed our perspective changes. God wants us to have such an affection for His commands that it becomes second nature, that we don’t even pause or question our choices or what He says. That is what the continual transforming of our heart and mind will produce in us. God will do the work in us, we must be willing.

Ask the Lord today, “What part of my life am I unwilling to change?”

Remember transformation comes with humility and humility comes with repentance, so set your heart open before God listening to what he speaks to your heart, then follow Him.