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 NKJV

I remember that day clearly. I knelt beside my bed and asked Jesus to come into my life. Seventeen years old at the time, I had little life experience. I made poor decisions and countless mistakes that could have ruined my life.

One example was the time I got pregnant at age19. I then married at age 20 and was divorced by age 25. I felt crushed and hopeless. However, I managed to carve out a lucrative career and build a decent life for myself. As I look back, I could see God guided and protected me as I fought to make it day by day. Who knows, maybe if I did not give my life to Jesus early on, things could have turned out differently.

God Renews Your Mind

In Romans 12:2, Paul was telling the Roman church not to adopt the customs of the world but allow God to transform them into new people by changing their way of thinking. When God created us, He not only formed our bodies but also how we think and feel. In other words, as Christians, we are different. We do things differently than the world of unbelievers. Our goal is to become like Jesus. Therefore, we must give God the chance to renew our minds and transform our lives.

The word transformed in Romans 12:2 is the same one used in Matthew 17:2. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain and was transfigured before them.

“…and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.”

Matthew 17:2 NKJV

Peter, James, and John had the privilege of seeing what Jesus’ glory looked like before he came into the world as a man (see John 17:5 and Philippians 2:6-7).

Observe 2 Corinthians 3:18:

“…but we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV

We, too, can experience this glory. Not just experience it but reflect it in our own lives as we become more and more Christlike.

Studying His Word Transforms You

How can this happen? By consistent study and meditation of the Word. Psalm 119:11 says we must hide God’s Word in our hearts so we might not sin against Him.

We renew our minds when we study God’s Word. Our attitudes change, and the way we do things change. Then our lives transform. But this transformation does not happen overnight because it is a process.

Paul goes on to explain that once we are transformed we can now learn what God’s will is for us.

When I gave my life to Jesus 35 years ago, I was still young and inexperienced. But with each struggle, each adversity, and each mistake, I learned to depend more on Jesus and less on myself and others. As I go through life, I allow Him to mold me and shape me into the person he wants me to become.

Friend, Jesus died for your sins. You are then made right with God, and righteous through faith (read Romans 4). Allow Jesus to help you navigate the storms of life. These storms are not meant to break you but refine you. They help to strengthen and transform you.

Study and meditate on God’s Word and let Him renew your mind and transform your life. Remember, you are God’s masterpiece.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be like Jesus. Forgive me for the times when I sinned against you. Replace those aspects of my character that do not glorify you with ones that do. I know it is a process Lord, but I place my faith and trust in you to help me succeed. Thank you, Lord, for changing my life. It would be meaningless without you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.