“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. And 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
There is this saying, “If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it just may be a duck.” It’s kind of a silly little statement, but I think of it often when I read this passage. Paul was talking to the Christians in Rome and saying, you’ve been saved by God’s mercy, stop living like the lost world! God wants to renew the way you think and transform you into a new person, because His will for you is good, pleasing, and perfect. Second Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) says, “This means anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.”
What does this all mean? It means our old, worldly self that looks, walks, and talks like the world is gone. Our new life looks, walks, and talks like Jesus as He enables us to do so. As we surrender our old life and our old ways to God, He replaces it with a life of love, and gratitude, and a heart that wants to honor and worship God in all that we do, think, and say. On the inside, it is a renewing of our mind and heart, it is a change in the way we think and the desires we have. It is a mind and heart that long for the things of God and wants the best for those around us. Our thought process is no longer focused on what we will gain and benefit, but now focuses on the concerns and benefits of others. And, in the midst of all of that, is a joy and peace that words cannot describe.
On the outside, we start bearing the fruit of a life surrendered to God. For example, perhaps one used to lie to or lose their temper with his/her boss, spouse, friends etc., or maybe they took the credit for other people’s work, perhaps the person in front of them would lose $100 bill and they’d pick it up and keep it instead of returning it. Now, this person surrendered to God has been transformed, and they don’t do those things anymore. They are now honest in the things they do. They own up to their shortcomings and tell the truth, they are patient and don’t lash out in anger and frustration, they work hard and their work is genuine and honest, the person in front of them drops $100 and they quickly catch up to them to return it to. They are no longer deceitful, short-tempered, and dishonest, but they are now a person of honesty, patience, and integrity.
The biggest transformation, however, is our ultimate goals and future are no longer that of this world. Before Christ, we might hope for popularity, recognition for our accomplishments, money, or maybe a luxurious retirement. However, after Christ comes into our life, that all seems so unimportant. We care more about eternity and building God’s kingdom. Our hearts ache for the people in the world who are lost, and we desire for them to hear the gospel and come to know Jesus.
I just encourage you today, if you have not truly surrendered to God and accepted the gift of salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross, I urge you to do so right now. You can pray right now, on your couch, in the car, in your office at work, wherever you are. Just let God know you are sorry for the way you have been living and ask God to forgive you for the sins you have committed. Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior and ask that God will begin renewing your mind right now. You don’t have to know everything about God to do this either. If your heart is sincere, and you really want to change, He will help you! Then, get connected with a church! There are several Bible-believing churches in our community. Obviously, we would love for you to connect with us and we would love to walk with you in this new journey of living for God. However, this is not about Northwood Church, it’s about your relationship with Jesus Christ! It is so important when you give your life to God, to get connected with a church that will come around you, help you learn more, and support you in your walk with God.
I pray you have a blessed week!
~Ann Canaday, Women’s Pastor at Northwood Church