http://laetuslifestyle.com/2014/03/04/foundation-of-transformation/
Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that he present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”
As we draw closer to the Lord, it is our goal to be like Him in both our actions and deeds. A Christian should not just come to church each week dressed in their “Sunday Best” and then go about living as they did before they met Jesus the rest of the week. Those who are around us on a day to day basis should be able to recognize that we have changed after we have encountered the King. I have found 10 evidences of transformation taught by Paul as I read through the book of Romans that others should be able to recognize in you.
1. Be Humble. Romans 12:3 “I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” The first part of this passage admonishes us to not think more highly of yourself than you ought. The second part is to “think soberly”. This refers to us being of sound mind; the ability to exercise self- control and curb one’s passions.
2. Be Submitted to One Another. Part of being humble is the ability to make yourself accountable to each other. We need to recognize the value in our brothers and sisters and encourage them in their role. Romans 12:4-8 says, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the
grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” Do not mistake your role with your relationship. Just because your role changes it doesn’t mean that relationship with God has been changed. No matter the circumstances, a transformed life will speak blessing to those around you.
3. Be Loving and Sincere. Learn to love with reckless abandonment. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” (Romans 12:9-10). The only way you can truly love without hypocrisy is to HATE evil and cling tenaciously to good. Love others more than you love yourself and learn to put their needs ahead of your own. That is the example that Jesus taught us on the cross.
4. Be Diligent. Romans 12:11, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” In this verse lies a three part lesson. First is diligence in business. The word “business here doesn’t mean what we may think it does. Most of us tend to immediately think of transactions between others when thinking of this word, but it actually means “diligence, or striving after anything”. Next is fervency in spirit. Boil with zeal for what is good and maintain your spiritual glow. Finally, serving the Lord. Serving here means to “be a slave, serve, do service.” We need to obey our Lord and yield our will to His in obedience.
5. Be Consistent Through Adversity. Part of being transformed is being able to live a victorious life even when the victory is nowhere in sight! Romans 12:12 teaches us how, “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Remain faithful to your rule of five, reading the word, and consistent prayer. This will give you the strength to carry on gracefully until the adversity lifts. The witness it will leave with those who are watching you is unmatched.
We will continue with this lesson next month. In the meantime, look for these transformations in your life…if you don’t see them, then you have some goals to work towards!
