"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2)
Yesterday we were reminded that God speaks to us so that we may be conformed to His truth and communicate His message to others. But what does it mean to be conformed to the truth?
We are provided with an answer in Romans 12:1-2. The passage may be divided into three interrelated goals for the believer to pursue: Present your body as a living sacrifice; do not be conformed to the world; be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Being a living sacrifice, we are told, is our spiritual service of worship to God. No longer must we give burnt offerings. Instead, we are to live in a way that glorifies God.
Not conforming to the world means that we should not live according to, or be negatively influences by, the standard of our secular environment.
Transformation is a continual process that happens from the inside out. Our minds should be constantly renewed or refreshed by a new way of thinking - replacing our selfish wants with desires to serve and obey God.
A final thought is given in verse 2. We must change so that we "may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
God has clearly communicated these goals to you. Where are you in this important process: presentation, conformity, or transformation?
Lord, my mind is Yours. Take it and reconstruct it so that my whole person can be reshaped into the person whom You intended me to be. Amen
~Charles Stanley~
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