Discover His heart: He transforms us into the person He created us to be
When my son was young, he had a collection of toy cars called Transformers. Each car transformed into a warrior robot in full armor ready to conquer the world – talk about a makeover! So popular were these Transformers that in recent years several movies have been made about their exploits. Unique entertainment, to say the least.
More to my liking are the makeovers on television that take plain or fashion-challenged women and men and transform them into living, breathing creations of awe. The audience always gasps when the transformation is revealed and then breaks into thunderous applause. This causes me to wonder if my transformation, the new creation that I am in Christ, has been startling enough to bring perhaps a gasp out of heaven.
@ Romans 12
“And 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. 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.” (1-2) The ultimate makeover!
I’m sure those makeover candidates feel a little like sheep going to the slaughter as they step behind the curtain to be transformed, uncertain of the outcome. Similarly, Paul suggests we should present ourselves as living, sacrificial lambs on the altar, submitted to His transformation. But of course, as they say, the problem with living sacrifices is that they have a tendency to climb off that altar. It’s usually painful to change the way we think.
Now as Paul often did, he provided a little checklist for us in verses 9-21 to see just how transformed we really are, a gasp meter if you will:
- “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.
- Hate what is wrong.
- Hold tightly to what is good.
- Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
- Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
- Rejoice in our confident hope.
- Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
- When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.
- Always be eager to practice hospitality.
- Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
- Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
- Live in harmony with each other.
- Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.
- And don’t think you know it all!
- Never pay back evil with more evil.
- Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
- Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone…
- Never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God…
- If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them…drink…
- Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Well, then. I think the only gasp I’m hearing right now is my own. These aren’t bucket list items. They are characteristics of the transformed life! This is the life of one who has remained on the altar and allowed the transformation of God’s power to change that life, even the way he or she thinks and relates to others. And the makeover bonus, the parting gift for this transformed life, “Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (2) Who doesn’t want to know that! And again I gasp.
Moving Forward: I pray I will do something today that leaves heaven breathless…even just for a moment.
Tomorrow @ Genesis 20-23
Phyllis Benigas 