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
I was so excited to bring the cocoon I had just found to my 5th grade class. Ms. Blackmon put it in a well-ventilated container and placed it on the safety of a high window ledge so that we could all see the beautiful butterfly emerge. None of us wanted the butterfly to escape the cocoon on a weekend because we’d miss all the action. After every recess and lunch we would all rush over to that window ledge to see if any progress had been made. One day it finally happened. But, we were all so disappointed when what came out of that cocoon was not the beautiful butterfly we had all hoped for, but instead a moth. Yes, a metamorphosis did take place but it didn’t turn out the way we had hoped.
You can rest assured that a metamorphosis of some kind is happening in your life, and what we all need is for that beautiful creation that you really are to emerge. Romans 12:2 is an amazing verse that gives us the two options and outcomes that can happen in our lives based on how we choose to be transformed. The word “transformed” in this verse is actually the Greek word metamorphoō and it’s where we get the English word “metamorphosis.”
Check out Romans 12:2 in the Amplified Version, “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
You see the choice is clear. We can conform to the world’s way of thinking, which are thoughts of defeat, rejection, worthlessness and hopelessness, or we can allow our minds to be “transformed” by the ‘Truth.” The truth is, that you are more than a conqueror, you are greatly blessed, you are deeply loved, you are highly favored and you are much needed. The world needs your “transformed by the truth self,” and not your “conformed self,” to shine through. Romans 12 makes the reason clear, because you are a valuable part of the Body, and without you playing your part we’re all missing something we need.
Today, don’t listen to the words of the world that our adversary so clearly controls, instead listen to the Voice of Truth. And, let His real Truth about who you really are transform you from the inside out.