Renewed!

Renewed!

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 KJV

The Context and Focus:

The message in today's verse speaks to the pressure and pleasure of this world. Imagine how many centuries have passed since the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write these words. If he charged his audience then with the words of today's verse, imagine the direct impact and effect of these words in our own world today. Nothing has changed in terms of sin, as well as the pressure to align with the rules, principles and priorities of this sinful age. Paul charges his audience then, as well as all of us who are reading this not to conform to this world. The word 'conform' is simply defined as to 'comply with rules, standards or laws'. It is that simple, yet so complex. We live in the world, yet we are charged not to comply with its rules. Actually, the world referred to here is the system and regime governed by the devil. It is the system the old man, thar unbroken and unsurrendered man is subject to. It is the default position for all men born of women, because we were all born into sin, inheriting the nature of sin from the earthly Adam, who first sinned. All are under the control of sin, whether they agree or acknowledge it or not. 

The Message:

The world's system is not a regime you save yourself from by your own power, intellect or labour, but by total surrender and submission to the Lordship and authority of Jesus the Saviour. This is the only way to break the power, impact and influence of sin in a person's life. Men have tried several other options, but nothing else saves from sin, because everything and everyone else is subject to the power of sin. The renewing of my mind comes from the work of the Holy Spirit, done in the heart of all who have submitted their lives to Jesus. How does God influence, direct or control a life that has not been given to Him? He does not force Himself on anyone, but waits for us to come to Him. He takes us and cleans us up, then releases us into the world to influence it on his behalf. Those who come to Him take of what He has supplied, and then touch and change the world with it. It is only a transformed heart that can transform other people's lives. You cannot give what you do not have, and you cannot squeeze out something you have not put in. 

The Conclusion:

By surrender, I am able to know what is God's will for me, and I can focus on it, to the exclusion of all other things. My mind is stayed on God, and I am able to impact my world. God is looking for people into whose lives He can deposit the riches of His grace, and the endowments that can change lives. It is only a changed life that can appreciate the work done in him/her, and can then lead the same change in the world. When my mind is transformed by God, I am constantly lining up my life with the will of God. It will be a daily exercise in knowing, accepting, surrendering and doing God's will. I do not become a robot, simply obeying orders, but I choose to love and submit to and obey God of my own free will. When I know the will of God, there will be no need to conform to the world. If God can trust me with the riches of His grace, my life cannot fail to make impact. It starts with total surrender. God will play his part, but I must also do my bit. God's time of favour is here.