TRANSFORMATION VS RESOLUTION

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. —Romans 12:2

             To be transformed (metamorphousthe from metamorphóō which is the root of the English term “metamorphosis”).  Transformation is to be changed from one state to another— like a caterpillar to butterfly.  For the follower of Jesus that happens when we spend time listening to and applying God’s Word.  When we listen to His Word and do what it says, there is a change that takes place inside us— a “renewing of the mind” and we become more like Jesus.  Our thinking is affected which impacts our actions— like Saul becoming Paul.  His thinking was totally impacted after he heard Jesus and obeyed Him (Acts chapter 26).  So, every follower of Jesus will be transformed and they listen to and obey Him.

             A resolution on the other hand, like a New Year’s resolution, is somebody who decides they are going to change some outward behavior themselves— such as… I am going to eat less or I am going to stop smoking or…  I read that only about 6% of New Year’s resolutions are kept for the entire year.  Doing things in one’s own strength typically does not last very long. 

Stopping an outward action without first having a renewed thinking will not impact very much.  We need His help and a renewed thinking.  That happens for the follower/disciple of Jesus by reading/hearing what God has to say in His Word and then being obedient to what He says.  That is the motivation for transformation.  I need to spend time with Him, listening to Him and then doing what He says.  What is more important than being with and lovingly obeying the Creator and Sustainer of all things, knowing we will give account to Him one day?

Dear Father, please help me to apply to life what You desire of me.  Oh, that I would hear what You day and do what You say!  May this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  Yes, please transform me to be more like Jesus.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga6Qtxzd6vk&list=RDGa6Qtxzd6vk&start_radio=1