Reflections: Arguably the most famous transformation scripture in the Bible – and it’s easy to see why! Paul writes in Romans a kind of applied theology, or an ethical understanding of the gospel of Jesus. In short, Paul has finished showing the Roman church what the Gospel is, then he turns to describe how one can live it out. In this section, Paul is pleading with his Roman audience, not to let the things that surround us shape or mould us. The call is to transformation, a call to make a conscious choice to become un-like your surroundings. Where the world is cruel, by the Spirit we can be kind. Where the world wages war, we are called to make peace. There is an inherent activity that Paul is suggesting here – unlike many competing worldviews, Christianity is distinct in its approach to transformation. It is through the renewing of the mind, through the Word of God, that people are changed and given the divine ability to test what is good. Things that are beautiful, and perfectly pleasing to God.
Question:Â What things are conforming you? What things do you need to reject or redeem in order that you are living a life pleasing to God?
Prayer:Â Heavenly Father, I just pause and thank you for the almighty and transformative power of your Word. In a world that pursues me at every turn, I choose to rest in you, knowing that by the renewing of my mind, with your perfect Word, I can know and discover your will for my life, a will that is perfect and pleasing to you. Amen.