Be Transformed - The Crosswalk Devotional - August 21

Be Transformed
By Emma Danzey

Romans 12:2 says, "Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature."

Do Not Be Conformed to the Patterns of this World
At the start of this verse, we notice the command from God not to be conformed. There is so much around us demanding us to be like the world. We are called to be set apart from this world. The pattern of this world is sin. Throughout Scripture, we see the same sins cycling through each generation. We are asked to follow Jesus even when the world is not. We are asked to be holy when the world is unholy.

How often do we find criticism and hate when we are trying to live for Christ? 1 Peter 4:12-13 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”

We should not be surprised by the way the world views us. We can be aware that they will desire us to conform, but that is not what Christ has for us. His Spirit in us is our strength.

Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Minds
There is an emphasis on the renewal of the mind. In order for us to be transformed, Christ has to renew our minds. Our thoughts are powerful and effective. The enemy wants to get into our minds and create thought processes that are similar to the sinful world around us. We must be active in taking our thoughts captive. Each day we can come to God and ask His Holy Spirit to renew us and change us into becoming more like Him. When our mind is set on the ways of the world, we will think and live like the world. When our mind is set on the ways of Jesus, we will think and live like Jesus. This is not by our own strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

So You Can Figure Out What God’s Will is - What is Good and Pleasing and Mature

So many times people ask what God’s will is. When we are not conformed by the world but transformed by renewing our minds in Christ, God tells us that we can know HIs good, pleasing, and mature will. When we spend time with the Lord, when we worship Him, when we read His Word, and when we share His gospel, we are growing and being changed by the Holy Spirit. So often it is hard to know God’s will in the difficult decisions we have to make in our societies today. When we are transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, we are able to discern His will. Being transformed is a process. We are not perfect, but we are being sanctified day by day and hopefully looking more like Christ.

The darkness around us continues to grow and spread. It is vital that the Light of Jesus is revealed in our lives. We can be light bearers and point others to Him because we are not conformed by the world but transformed by the Savior. It is necessary and needed for believers to live out their faith and not hide away in times of uncertainty. We are called to be different. We will experience persecutions, but God tells us to take heart because. He has overcome the world.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
How is the world around you trying to influence you away from Christ and towards sin? What are some sinful patterns in your life that need to be fought against with the help of the Holy Spirit? Take time to renew your mind in Jesus today. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s Will to you through His Word.

Further Reading:

Photo credit: Unsplash/Suzanne D Williams

Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.