Being Transformed

Romans 12:1-2And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. ² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

New Living Translation

Jesus has done so much for me. He loved me when I felt unlovable. He healed my broken spirit. He has given me a life worth living. As Paul said in this passage, surely when I think of all He has done for me, it isn't too much to ask for me to live for Him. But really...what does that mean? It sounds so nice, to say that I am offering my life to Jesus. But on a practical level, how do I go about doing that?

Paul suggests that part of this means letting God determine my values. Society and my own desires want to dictate how I live. But this was what caused my downfall to begin with. My original state was one of self indulgence and self preservation. I did what felt good, and what seemed safe. This opened doors for immoral behavior and deception. Along with it came guilt and shame.

God's will is that I be pure, and holy. There is no room for moral compromise. There is real freedom in knowing that even if things are unpleasant, if I have been sincere and faithful, I don't have to live with a fear of exposure. God's way is always best. My way leads to secrets, shame, and fear.

But when the pressure is on, I am so weak. Instinct seems to drive me to sinful responses. Or...I should say it used to do so. That has been changing. God is working.

Because of His grace and love, I want to offer my life to Him. Because of this, I have confessed my weaknesses and failures, and asked for His help in changing. He has faithfully helped me to change, by actually changing how I think. When under stress, I notice two responses. The first is my natural, sinful reaction, that leads to trouble. The second is God's way for me to react. And I get to choose which one I act on.

I will admit, too often I choose poorly. But more and more, I'm finding I can't live with that choice. Before hardly any time at all passes, I'm pleading for forgiveness and a chance for a "do-over." And even better, I'm making the right choice more frequently.

Transformation is not easy, or comfortable. It isn't something I can do by myself. But it is something I can ask for. After that, my task is to cooperate as God performs a truly awesome miracle - changing the way I think!