Be not 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)
As we move forward, we must forget things that are behind and look toward those things which are ahead. The Apostle Paul instructs us to present our bodies as holy and acceptable to the Lord. He then says that we are not to be conformed (molded) to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The Lord’s command to us is that we not be shaped or molded by the world. Therefore, we must be intentional about resisting the world’s efforts to shape us into an image contrary to Christ’s. The words “but be transformed” mean that it is not enough to resist the world’s attempts at shaping us into its image which is contrary to Christ, but to cooperate with God’s will and process. His will takes us into this process of metamorphosis.
Metamorphosis means transformation, transfiguration, change of form, shape, or substance; a marked or complete change of character, appearance, or condition. Metamorphosis is made of two words, meta (over) and morphe (form). The Lord’s goal for us is a transformation that results in a complete change of character and/or condition. The Apostle Paul says that this metamorphosis takes place in our souls by the renewing of our minds, which is a complete change in the way we think. When our thinking is changed, a behavioral change (metamorphosis) follows. God’s purpose in this transformation is to remove from within us obstacles to our spiritual development. Sin which controls our flesh is the obstacle and must be dealt with in principle and practice. By taking the believer through the mind-renewing process, the Lord changes our character even though our conditions might be the same. Transformation (metamorphosis) takes place by the activity of the Holy Spirit within us. Thanks be to God for His amazing wisdom!If we are serious about our spiritual growth, let us cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work in our souls. Let us obey and walk by the Word of God at all times. He is making a complete change in us. We can safely say we are not the person we used to be.