Be Transformed!

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. The Bible teaches us, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2). Paul says, “Be transformed.” What is he teaching believers? Let’s define the word transformed. The Greek word for transform is also the origin of our English word “metamorphosis” and describes a complete change of form, substance, or structure. It’s what a caterpillar undergoes when it becomes a butterfly. Here’s the significance: The change is so complete that once it’s finished, the butterfly can no longer return to being a caterpillar! When a person encounters Jesus, if He’s really changed us, we shouldn’t be able to return to our former lifestyle. Those things have been completely removed from our lives so they’re no longer a part of us (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). To be transformed means allowing ourselves to be changed! It’s not something we can do ourselves, but it’s the work of the Holy Spirit when we surrender to and keep in step with Him! The world is in opposition to God, so being transformed means we have to cross over from that side, to God’s side, which is a completely different way of life! Be encouraged!