September 13 | Romans 12:1-2
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Transforming My Mind
By Elaine Pierce
"Do not conform....but be transformed. (Romans 12:2a)" What does it mean to be transformed? My grandsons went through a 'transformer toy' phase: they couldn't get enough of these plastic toys that looked like one thing, but when you manipulated the parts, they turned into something quite different (usually some scary robot or other action figure). Theo and Monty spent a lot of time manipulating these toys and creating battles and fights with their mighty transformers.
When Paul writes about being transformed, he challenges the church at Rome to 'renew your mind.' To what purpose? 'So that you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.'
The late Rev. Tim Keller once said that Romans 12:1-2 "is a summary of the whole of the Christian life." Indeed, if we offer our bodies as 'living sacrifices' and if we 'transform by the renewing of our mind' and we refuse to 'conform to the pattern of this world,' we will, day by day, grow up to a faith that ''approves God's good, pleasing and perfect will.'
The call of the world - the call to conform, to ignore the still small voice of the Spirit, is a strong call. It's only through corporate worship, daily Bible study, and prayer that we can transform from following the fleeting pleasures of our culture to following the deep desires of our hearts to rest in Jesus. The path is narrow, but all who enter the gates will be welcomed, embraced and strengthened for the journey.
Yes, transformer toys are fun and they continue to enjoy popularity with kids and grownups alike. But they don't compare to the joy that comes when we transform from following the world's priorities to worshipping, in spirit and in truth, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, help me today and every day to spend time with you, to fill my mind with what is good, pure and holy. Then and only then can I transform from the call of the world to the call to serve and love you and your people. Help me to serve, to strengthen and to delight in you and those you have called me to serve. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
A very powerful, transforming devotional! Thank you, Elaine!
Elaine, this was just what I needed this morning. I love these two verses and recognize how different my life would be were I to live by them. Come Holy Spirit, make it so!