MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
As a kid, one of the most incredible things about Saturdays was cartoons. One of my favorites, and still today, is Transformers. Automobiles that transform into robots. They looked one way externally but were something else internally. As I thought about this, it brought Romans 12:2 into clearer view for me. Spiritual renewal begins within our minds. I have at times allowed my actions not to match what I know to be true internally, essentially allowing myself to say I’m Holy Spirit Jr., looking one way on the outside but being another way inside or vice versa. I’ve met many believers who may not have looked spiritually well on the outside from my limited perspective, but had an amazing walk with God.
Spiritual renewal is allowing God, through the Holy Spirit, to change our minds and hearts. To recenter ourselves, putting Jesus in the center of who we are. The caterpillar and the butterfly are a great example, a painful process but a beautiful outcome. Change happens for the caterpillar by embracing the struggles from within the cocoon, allowing God’s beauty to be revealed through it. We, too, must embrace our hardships and trust what God is doing. He is renewing His original masterpiece.
APPLICATION: Ask yourself, do I only view myself through the lens of my eyes or through the filter of God’s? Sit in silence today for five minutes, asking God to help you view your struggles through a different lens and perspective.
PRAYER: Father, it seems the closer I get to You, the more the struggles intensify. Help me today through Your words and Your Spirit to see just a portion of what You are doing to renew me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?