Be Intentional
This past week, I started reading a devotional that focuses on addressing and dismantling the lies of the enemy called Renewing the Mind. One of the scriptures that was referenced was Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to the 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. Two words stuck out to me: conformed and transformed.
The definition of “conformity” is compliance with standards, rules, laws, or behaviors that are acceptable. Whereas Merriam Webster defines “transform” as the change in a composition or structure, to change the outward appearance, or to change in character or condition.
What I noticed about these two words is that they are the antithesis or opposite of each other. Conformity is a passive state. When you allow ungodly thoughts, emotions, or beliefs to fester within you, it leads to sinning and acting out. Whereas transformation is an active state. You are willingly choosing to come to the Lord to be cleansed of the beliefs, thoughts, and patterns of this world. Romans 12:1 says to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord.
Recently, I saw a Hell testimony that was shared in a group chat. What stood out most to me was this sister in Christ testifying how many times the Holy Spirit commanded her to forgive and ask the Lord to take the root of bitterness out of her heart. “Whether it is 10,000 times or 25,000 times, keep asking the Lord. He will do it.” Her testimony encouraged me to keep asking the Lord to help me conquer stubborn thoughts and feelings so that I may be a living sacrifice to the Lord.
When Romans 12:2 says to not be conformed to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, it means to let the Word of God take root in you. Conformity is passively caving in and allowing thoughts and emotions like disappointment, worry, and doubt to creep into your mind and dictate your identity. Whereas transformation is holding fast to the Word of God, claiming the identity as a Child of God, and knowing that when we cry out to Jesus and come with a humbled heart unto Him, we will be transformed, healed, and renewed.
Psalm 34:4-5 says I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
That’s the key to transformation which is seeking the Lord and then fixing our gaze upon Him! To uproot the lies of the enemy and the strongholds in our lives, we cannot be passive in our walk with Christ. Instead, we must be intentional to uproot the lies of the enemy and patterns of this world in our lives daily. We must intentionally come to Christ so His spirit can do the work in us so we may become a pleasing living sacrifice that is holy, acceptable to God, and reasonable for service (Rom 12:1).
I am learning to be intentional with my walk with the Lord. Thus, every day is an opportunity for more of His truth to dwell within me as the lies and deception of the enemy leave. Every day is a day to be intentional with our walk with Jesus. Walk in transformation, not conformity to this world, Beloved.
Go in peace <3