The Be- Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Transformed
A New Creation in Christ
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. I Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
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 12:2 NKJV
The Beauty of Transformation
I love spring. The rains wash the world and cleanse the air. New life is all around me. The bright yellow and black oriole returns to my yard, and the worship songs of the sparrows chase away the darkness of winter storms. I witness brilliant butterflies floating and gliding from flower to foliage. The plants that have been dormant explode with glorious colors and fragrance. The fresh air and sunshine make me feel like I can breathe again.
As believers in Jesus, we are in a constant state of transformation. When we receive Jesus as Savior, we become a new creation – beautiful and spectacular in the eyes of our Creator. He removes the dead leaves and ashes of winter rotting in our souls and replaces them with a beauty that reflects His image.
Overcoming Life’s Storms
However, over time, through the dark seasons and storms of life, that image may become muddied. Our joy is dulled. The fruit we once bore is no longer plentiful. The storm clouds block the light, distorting our perspective. But, halleluiah, we do not have to stay that way! Jesus came to give us life – life more abundant.
The Power of Renewing our Minds
Romans 12:2 tells us that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. The renewal happens when we seek the beauty and treasure in God’s Word, meditating on the Truth within it (Psalm 119:9-16). Our souls are transformed from grumbling to gratitude as we worship (Psalm 40:1-3). Our thinking changes when we take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Our hearts are changed when we communicate with God in prayer (Philippians 4:6).
God’s Promise of Restoration
Sometimes the beauty of our new life in Christ fades without us noticing. Other times there is a specific event, trauma, or sin that causes a dramatic change in our countenance coming from deep within our souls. But the wonderful reward of the Christian walk is that we don’t have to stay in the miry pit of despair or destruction.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed… Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 16-18
Living a Life in Bloom
We live in a fallen world and anticipate the time when all things will be restored to the Kingdom of Heaven. But until then, we can count on the Holy Spirit’s continual work in our lives – transforming us, restoring us, and taking us from a state of decay into a life that blooms like wildflowers in spring.
“…You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 2 Peter 2:9
A Call to Transformation
As you go about your day, take time to notice the birds singing, the flowers blooming, and the new life all around you. Let it remind you that you are a new creation in Christ and that He has the power to continually transform you into His image, restoring and renewing your heart and mind.
Are you feeling the darkness of winter in your heart? Ask Him to transform you and bring you into the glorious light.
Do you need a little transforming of your mind? Seek that transformation by digging into God’s Word. If you don’t know where to start, I suggest beginning at Psalm 1 and listening through the entire book.
Listen to this song and meditate on the beautiful words of transformation: Changed by Hannah Kerr
A Prayer for Renewal
Heavenly Father,
Please renew my mind and heart. Show me signs of life and help them to be a reminder of You and Your grace, mercy, and power to heal. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you.
In Your Precious Name, Amen
For Further Reading:
Grace Based Transformation – By Jonathan Daugherty
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My name is Keri Willis. I am a semi-retired educator. I spent a great deal of my career working with adults with developmental disabilities and many years in elementary education, in the classroom and as an administrator. My main ministry now is coordinating the women’s ministry for our church in San Diego, CA. I have been married thirty-four years and have two grown and married children. I now have a head of full grey hair and good ideas. I believe we are created to use our gifts and to be creative. That comes in many forms for me. I love to woodwork and use power tools, design, decorate, garden, and create new recipes. And I love to write. One major lesson I have learned in my writing journey is that I need to be still and listen to hear God’s voice before I am prepared to put into words the message he has instilled in my heart. This has been much easier since I am no longer working full time, but it is so easy to get distracted and not listen, which almost always ends with an empty page in the form of writer’s block. While I have written many articles for newsletters and local newspapers, I did not consider myself a writer until I self-published my first book, Teapots and Power Tools. https://www.amazon.com/Teapot.../dp/1466458763/ref=sr_1_3... The idea emerged as I was working on a project in my garage. I had worship music playing, power tools out and saw dust flying. I glanced up and saw my delicate teapot sitting on my router table. The message was clear. Sometimes we are using the power tools God gives us and sometimes he just wants us to be still and have tea with him. The book became the foundation for a women’s retreat, and then my amazing niece helped me work through publishing it on Create Space (now KDP). At least five other projects are in different stages of production. I joined hope*writers to help motivate me and keep me focused and accountable. I am still trying to figure out the whole website and blog thing. That is my next goal for myself; that and finish writing at least one of my projects! Teapots and Power Tools: Effectively using the tools God has equipped you with, while taking time to “Be Still and Know That He is God” View more posts
