February 28: “Hope of Transformation” by Melinda Haynie
Romans 8:5, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”
One of the most amazing transformations I’ve ever witnessed is that of a baby into a child and then into an adult. It’s a proud moment for any parent. Each stage of growth is exciting and new. And as ex- citing as each stage is, we know there’s more to come and it would be wrong for us to want them to stay in each stage without moving forward.
When we accept Christ as our Savior, we are given the ability to transform; and that’s certainly what God wants for us. He’s given us everything we need to make the transformation; however, we often choose to stay in our spiritual infancy. But how do we make that transformation...and keep from getting stuck?
Dr. Tony Evans gives a great illustration in his sermon entitled, “Watch your Mouth.” This comes from the second message in the series called “Judgment in Your Jaws”. He says, “Our spiritual hearts feed our thoughts (mind), choices (will), and feelings (emotions). We must begin to meditate on things that will promote its overall health. The more we meditate consistently on positive, constructive, uplifting things, such as Scripture, a good book, a productive discussion or a thoughtful sermon, the more good food will flow out into our thoughts, choices, and feelings.”
The process of transformation isn’t easy, but it will be the most rewarding growth you’ve ever experi- enced. It’s important to remember that we can’t just wish for transformation. We can’t just hope for transformation. The Message version of our key verse says it like this: “Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God!”
So how can we make sure we are transforming into the person God wants us to become? Verse 9 may have the answer to get us started. “But if God Himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hard- ly be thinking more of yourself than of Him.” Make God’s Word part of every breath you take. Commit it to memory and don’t just read it....do what it says.” (James 1:22).
Is there some transformation that needs to take place in you? Trust me, you’re not alone and God’s Word is the best place to start.
Father, You have given us everything we need to be everything You want us to be. Thank You for Your Word and for Your presence. Help us to be transformed as we set our minds on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
