The Book of Romans, written around 56 – 58 AD during
his 3rd missionary journey, is considered to be Paul’s “Magnum
Opus.” It is the apostle’s greatest body of work. If Paul were an artist,
Romans would be his masterpiece, because it is his most influential epistle in
the Bible. Many of the beloved verses disciples of Christ have memorized over
the years are from the book of romans, such as Romans 8: 28 and Romans 12: 1-2.
Let us focus on the latter: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s
mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to
God—this is your true and proper worship.Do not
conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will
is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
In
Romans 12: 1 – 2, Paul is teaching his audience how God can transform the lives
of those who are saved. God wants to change you into a better and more mature
version of yourself, but two things are required of you: a) Salvation into
Jesus Christ through water of Baptism (Rom 6: 3 – 5) which is a prerequisite to
living a transformed lifestyle, b) Surrender your life into the hands of the
potter (Rom. 9: 20 – 21). For God to transform your life into what He
envisioned (Jeremiah 18: 1 – 4, 29:11), you must be born again (John 3:3) and
willingly relinquish all control over to God – Trust His vision and process for
your life because it is a good one (Jer 29:11). The Potter has a clear vision
in His mind of how He wants to shape your life and what He wants to mold you
into, and this delicate process requires complete surrender into His hands.
This godly transformation does not occur over night, but it is a lifelong
ongoing process that starts with the renewing of your mind. To transform your
life, you need to first start by changing the way you think because your mind
determines the course of your life (Proverbs 4:23). The thoughts you entertain
in your mind, good or evil, eventually influence your emotions, your behaviors,
your actions, and your overall way of life. Second, to transform your life you
cannot keep imitating the behaviors and pattern of the world around you.
Several times in the bible God encourages His people to be different, to be
unique by following the footsteps of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2: 21). Love like
Jesus – Forgive like Jesus – Obey like Jesus – Be gracious like Jesus – Be
discipline like Jesus – Work hard like Jesus – Sacrifice like Jesus – Pray like
Jesus – Be faithful and hopeful like Jesus. This ongoing godly transformation
can only happen when we become less and less like ourselves and more like Jesus
Christ (John 3: 30). God is in the business of transforming people’s lives into
the likeness of His Son Jesus Christ.
I love
you all,
Donny Pierre