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Transforming, Not Conforming
This archived selection from our previous blog was originally posted on May 19, 2008
Dear Humble Reformer,
The Bible says, "And do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed (metamorphoo)by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" Romans 12:2.
We are to be in the world but not of the world. We are to be people for our generation, not people who are simply a product of this generation. We are not to love the world-or the things in the world that the unbelievers love. That would be idolatry. God salts the earth with us and sends us out to be lovers of God and mankind created in His image. We are to love what Christ loves and have our affects tuned to heaven. But how do we stay close to the Lord and how do we love what is unseen while the world is often so vivid?
Beyond the Bible, I am reading a helpful little book entitled "Principles of Spiritual Growth" by Miles J. Stanford and published by Back to the Bible. Here is a short passage I would like to quote:
"If I am to be like Christ (not conforming, but transforming) then God in His grace must do it, and the sooner I come to recognize it the sooner I will be delivered from another form of bondage (attempting to live for God in my own strength). Throw down every endeavor and say, 'I cannot do it! The more I try the farther I get from His likeness.' The Spirit will then say to you, 'You cannot do it; quit trying. You are a failure. Sit down, and as you sit there behold Jesus; look at Him. Don't try to be like Him, just look at Him. Be occupied with Him. Forget about trying to be like Him. Instead of letting that fill your mind and heart, let Christ fill your mind and heart. Just behold Him; look upon Him through the word (renewing your mind). Come to the word of God for one purpose and that is to meet the Lord. Not to get your head crammed full of things about the sacred Word, but come to it to meet the Lord."--Norman Douty (adapted)
As we see the Lord in the Word, we are being transformed on an ongoing basis (II Corinthians 3:18). Believe that you are meeting Him in His word daily and trust that it is Christ at work in you to will and to do His good pleasure in you.
It has been so good seeing some of you lately at important events, made more important by our good influence on each other. You are a great encouragement to me, young adventurer!
Kindly in Jesus,
Woody Shoemaker
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