Complete Transformation

Often a home or a facility can be refreshed and transformed on the inside without a change being seen on the outside.  For example, the addition of a fresh coat of paint can make a dramatic change.  The drab turns attractive; the dull becomes bright; the dreary turns out to be cheerful; and the uninteresting develops into something attention-grabbing.  I believe a dramatic change can happen not only in a facility, but in the lives of people.  Obviously, people do not need a coat of paint, but they need a transformation.  The Apostle Paul suggested a life-change for individuals when he wrote these words: “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). Here are three questions about human transformation.

1)      What does it mean to be transformed?  To transform means to renovate, refurbish, repair, restore, or mend.  In the verse above the word that was used for “transformed” has to do with a metamorphous – a complete change.  This change is similar to the way a butterfly emerges from a cocoon that was spun by a worm.

2)      How does transformation take place?  Transformation is made possible by a force that is outside of the individual.  The Bible tells us that force is “the Lord” who is “the Spirit.”  Scripture also says, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (II Corinthians 3:18). It is God the Holy Spirit who transforms individual lives.

3)      In what way does human transformation take place?  Change takes place through renewal.  To “renew” means to restore or to make new.  It is God who does the renewing as shown in the text – “comes from the Lord” – and the renewal begins with our minds – “renewing of your mind”.  “Renew” here means that the transformation is continuous, and the change is ongoing.  In another scripture the Apostle Paul reminds us that we are being “made new in the attitude of your minds” (Ephesians 4:23).  God makes the transformation in the minds, hearts, and lives of people.  And it is by faith that we need God’s help as we become more like Jesus daily.

Think about these questions: (1) Are you determined that you will not be conformed to the pattern of this world?  (2) Has your life been transformed by God?  (3) Has the attitude of your mind been made new by God’s renewing power?  You can enjoy a complete transformation and be part of God’s forever family when you put your trust in God.  Scripture tells us that, “He gave the right and the power to become children of God to those who received Him. He gave this to those who put their trust in His name” (John 1:12, NLV).  It also tells that that we can enjoy eternal life, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God’s Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever” (John 3:16).  Let God completely transform you and make you a brand-new person.