"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Romans 12:1-2. NKJV
Warren W Wiersbe says: 'If the world controls our thinking we are conformers; if God controls our thinking, we are transformers.' This is so true and runs in parallel with Romans 8:5-8 that we looked at a few days ago. We either walk by the flesh or by the Spirit and the choice is ours. We can become a copy of the world, with its customs and behaviour but, we will only become a cheap imitation. Jesus is no imitation, He is the real deal and wants you this way too.
What we need to do is, allow God to transform our minds so that it is in sync with the Holy Spirit. Obviously, we are then spiritually minded. We can try to do this ourselves but we will struggle from day one. This is why so many of us seem to be flying for God one minute and then, down in the dumps the next. It is the YoYo factor and this rarely gets us anywhere.
We need to surrender to God and this is not easy. As soon as you try, every part of your flesh will rebel in fury. Your flesh wants to carry on doing what it has always been used to; but, when you introduce new ways to get rid of this part of your life and become a new person, the devil goes on full alert. So be ready for this. He is very skilled in trying to persuade you that fleshly behaviour is all right, 'It'll be ok, who is going to know about it, anyway it is only a one-off.' Don't fall for this because, he knows that once you have tried it, you'll want to continue. This is how he catches people out.
Therefore, when we surrender to God, we need to say what Jesus said in the Garden of Gethsemane, 'O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.' This is the hallmark of total surrender, and it means, (wait for it) studying the Word, memorising it and making it a part of your inner self. It just comes naturally because you have surrendered everything to Jesus. You have become a transformer instead of a conformer. Actually, when you think about it, the first three letters of conformer in 'Con.' So, this says it all. The devil has 'conned' us into thinking that all is well. It isn't but, it will be when you surrender to Him. Are you ready to do this? Then, just tell Him what you need, He will answer this.
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:
'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'
Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk
Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
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