Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” KJV
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you.” The Living Bible
“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” The Message
Some of you have asked why I show different versions of the same verse. The Simple answer is that each of us hear and think differently. In your mind you hear these words and because of your core beliefs you hear them differently than others do. Each of us needs the verse read to us in a manner that our minds will accept and start the transformation.
You have heard the saying “called to be in the world, not of the world”. Those words are a paraphrase form of the word of Jesus when He was praying to His Father in John 17:14-16.
Jesus was saying that anyone who has been accepted the word, (transformed) is no longer of this world, He asks the father to protect them from the evil one, but He asks the father to keep the believers in this world.
The answer why He wants you in this world is in verse 2 of Romans 12. He wants you to prove to the world that His way, His word, His will are perfect for you in every situation. Then, therefore perfect for them if they would allow the Holy Spirit to transform them.
The Transformation of your heart, mind, habits, personalities, desires and way of Living is not for your benefit. It is for you to be a perfect reflection of God so that others may see how God has changed you, and therefore desire to be changed also.
The Verse ends with “perfect, will of God”. The only way you can come to understand and accept that God’s will is Perfect in every situation, every circumstance and always the best path for you, is to allow the Holy Spirit to transform you.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8
Today, stop quenching the Holy Spirts transformation of your heart and mind. You are being directed to a better place, a better way of Living, and a better future. He is building a room for you in His house. The construction starts in your heart.
Prayers for All.
Larry