Be Transformed

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This month’s topic is being transformed by God. It comes from Romans 12:2.

Romans 12:2 (NLT) - “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. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

As Methodists we often speak of transforming the world, but Paul reminds us that we need to let God transform us. After that, we are equipped to learn God’s will for us. Likewise, the ways of the world, as tempting as they may be, are not always Christ’s way. 

But there’s a possible trap here! When it says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world”, it’s easy to pick and choose what that means. We agree with some customs and disagree with others based on our own judgement and desires (or the argument we’re trying to win). That’s why a key part of this scripture is a big “but”. “But let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” It’s about letting God change the way you think. I’ve often said when it comes to change, I agree with God most, when God agrees with me. No! That’s the wrong answer (I knew that). This is about agreeing with God all the time and asking for direction all the time.

Romans 12:2 is direct in its instruction. Words like, “Don’t”, ‘but let” and “Then you will”, are not vague. Getting God’s guidance is not a one-time task either. Things happen over time. Things change. We change. Slowly we decide we are best suited to choose our life’s direction. We leave God out. The world’s way of doing things sneaks up on us and we choose the things we like. We know what to pick. No reason to bother God. It’s easy to become a bit self-centered and independent. Unfortunately, at that point we are no longer learning God’s will for us. 

We should periodically test ourselves with Romans 12:2 (all of it). It can be harder than it looks. Our own desires and opinions can make it difficult to “hear” God’s voice. Our voice can seem the loudest. Especially when God’s voice disagrees with ours.  We need to dedicate time and effort to this and be quiet enough to hear God’s voice over the background noise of the world. We need to do our best to be open to God’s voice and listen for it especially when it disagrees with ours. My best times are in the early hours of the morning. How about you? Do you have a time? John Wesley purposely set aside time for this. That might be helpful.

For me, the test of Romans 12:2 revealed some things that needed worked on. OK, several things. But that’s alright. One of my favorite passages is when the Pharisees were critical of Jesus for associating with a group of “sinners” (like me).  They asked, “Why does he eat with such scum?“  Jesus answered, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners. (Mark 2:16-17, NLT)”  Another trap to avoid; Jesus isn’t here for those who think they are righteous. It’s important to remember and admit that we are sinners. 

Romans 12:2 makes me hopeful. It is not so much about me changing me (a difficult task), as it is me letting God transform me. With that I will learn God’s will for me.  I know I’m a work in progress. Fortunately, God is patient and seems willing to keep working on me, sometimes in the middle of the night or early morning. I doubt that I am alone in the need to periodically test with Romans 12:2 and the Greatest Commandment. I invite you to try it.

David Johns serves as Indiana Conference Lay Leader. This post is republished with permission from the conference laity newsletter.