Transformation goes deep

Yesterday I taught our Bible Study class out of Romans 12.  It was great scripture reference and gave me plenty to think about.  I spoke of my love for football and how I live for weekends when there is a game.  Of course I have my "favs" but the idea is that I just love the game.  There is only one problem....I don't really understand it.  Oh I know the terminology but I dont really know what it means.  For instance, a yellow flag means penalty but what does holding mean?   My son plays football and I can tell you when he plays because I know his number but I can't tell you much else.  I don't know "what position he plays" but I do know that if they throw the ball to him he runs with it and I cheer!

I told my class that if I put on a helmet and a jersey, I could look like a football player but I can assure you, I wouldn't do any team anygood. Merely looking like a football player would not or enhance my knowledge, thought process or ability to play football.

So it is with conforming and transforming.  Paul tells us in Romans that we are not to conform to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  We should be a reflection of Jesus Christ and that takes a change in thought process, a change in daily living and eventually a permanent life change.  Being transformed does not happen over night, I can't just put on a helmet and become a football star. Oh I could memorize the plays alright but just memorizing the plays would not amount to much.

Paul tells us to renew our minds and we do that when we are continually in God's word and when we live it out.  We should not only read God's Word for information but for transformation!  It is a continual, growing process and we must be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.  A real football player steps on to the field prepared to win because he knows the plays and what is expected, so should we step into to life everyday prepared for what is to come because we have been transformed and are strong enough in the Holy Spirit to not conform to the expectations of the world. 

A "transformation" that we put on and take off can also be called a costume.  Transformation is not a change on the surface, transformation goes deep.  Let your transformation be real, let it be genuine and let it be lived out daily.

Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer 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 12:1-2