Transformed!
[2] Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
There has to be a remarkable change from the old to the new. If I claim to be new, and there is no noticeable difference between the old life and the new life, that would be a problem. Paul was writing to the church in Rome at this time, reminding them about the power and impact of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It is NOT possible for the Holy Spirit to move into a life and that life will remain the same. It is by the mercy of God that man even has access to the resources of heaven, because sin had created that distance. Jesus came in the flesh like those He wanted to save, and by His death and resurrection, He has secured life that is eternal for us. He knew we could not save or help ourselves, but He did all that God demanded as the full payment for sin, and now we have no excuse not to live right. He has not asked me to strive to please Him by my own strength or wisdom.
All that God asks me to do is to trust in the finished work on the cross of Calvary. That is the warning and counsel in the verse above. When you consider all that Jesus has done to bring us into this new reality, you can be sure that a demand will be made for an accounting for the resources and benefits that have been made available. This world will not just let go, as it can actually make a legitimate demand for all who are under its control and influence. All who live in sin are subject to the world's system, but be sure that the end of that life is eternal separation from God. The world seeks to conform all of us to its image, so we can reflect the dead works of unrighteousness. To conform is to align, to look like, and to take the shape of something. In this instance, it is the world that seeks to set the standard. God cannot work with a heart that He does not control or cannot influence.
It is that inner work of transformation that God seeks to do in our hearts that will make the difference. As He releases His Word to me, He is changing me from the inside. The work of salvation is first internal, before it makes an impression on the external. The verse above speaks about the transformation by the renewing of my mind. That is where true change starts: the mind. That is the seat of emotions, decisions and legacies. When God takes over, He births new desires and dreams. You now have pursuits and priorities different from when you were in the world. The more of God I seek, the more of His will I know and can adhere to, and the more pleased God will be with me. God does not force Himself on anyone, but be sure that He will do a mighty work in the lives of all who submit to Him. Would you do so? God's time of favour is here.
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