WEEK 4: THE CASE FOR VIRTUE- GO FORTH- EXUDING THE ESSENCE OF GOD EVERYDAY
Transformed!!!
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2021
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. (Romans 12:2)
A science project gave me a new perspective of transformation; I remember in grade 7 when our teacher gave us an assignment to find a caterpillar and take it for the next session. I was excited; it was my first year in high school and it seemed cool to be having these hands on experiences. The topic would be exploring the different stages of the caterpillar’s life.
I was amazed when my caterpillar changed into a cocoon, and later emerged as a butterfly; my little 12-year-old mind could not conceive the awesome wonder of this process at that time. Today, I am at a different place in my mind and I now have a deeper appreciation of the the process of “Transformation”
The Bible speaks about “Transformation” in a distinct way; reflect on the Scripture at Romans 12:2.
…But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…
Romans 12:2
This was one of the many lessons that the Apostle Paul sought to teach the Romans in his day. Paul sought to help the Believers in His time to understand the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe he searched for a way for them to learn the best and most lasting ways to attain full salvation. In Mathematics, the concept is taught that the shortest distance to a point is a straight line.
In a Spiritual sense, this can be true too; Transformation can be seen as the straight line that shortens the distance we take to full salvation. Change can result in great success when the change is for the better.
In continuing on the path to Make the Case for Virtue, and focusing on this week’s focus on the topic: Go Forth: Exuding the Essence of God in Everyday Life we are exploring Transformation as an aspect on the path to becoming a Virtuous Woman. Yesterday’s topic was: The Queen and Her King; we highlighted the features of a Queen. Today we will explore the topic: Transformed as a process of being a Queen and what it entails to exude the essence of a woman of Royal Status. May you be inspired by today’s reflections.
On the subject of transformation, the word change is synonymous. Defined, the word means: a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. What then does the Bible mean when it speaks of transforming the mind? I remember the first time I read the Scripture, I wondered to myself what does changing my mind involved. I would soon learn that it was not up to me to change my mind; instead, I needed to depend on the Holy Spirit for that.
If you think about it, everything originates in the mind; before we act it is first a thought; wouldn’t it make sense then to change the space where everything originates. On the subject of the mind the Bible speaks further.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5
We have already established that God’s thoughts are not like our thoughts; nor are His ways like our ways. As such, our King encourages us to change our minds to think like He does; He gives us His Son as a role model. What do you believe is wrong with the mind we now have why it needs to be changed?
The Apostle Paul knew much about the mind; after all, his own mind waged war against God during the time he was called Saul of Tarsus. In knowing this, Paul taught the Romans that:
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Roman 8:5-8
Being born in the flesh makes us carnal in nature; it remains that the Holy Spirit can transform our mind if we desire to learn how to think with the mind of God.
THE PROCESS OF A QUEEN’S TRANSFORMATION
In having an understanding of the need to be TRANSFORMED; I know that we all desire to reflect the image of our Creator. Let us look at the ABC of the Transformation Process:
Acknowledge – Every person was born in sin and shaped in iniquity; sin separates us from God and we need to make the decision to turn from sin and to God. Acknowledging this truth is the first step to being TRANSFORMED
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
Believe – Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He made provision for us to be released from the burden of sin. Believing in His provision is the second step to being TRANSFORMED.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (St. John 3:16)
Confess – The human experience is one of choice. Oftentimes we err because of lack of knowledge. When we do, we do not have to remain in the state of sin. We can admit that we are wrong, ask for forgiveness and accept God’s help to change our minds. Confessing is the third step to being TRANSFORMED.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
The journey to become a Virtuous Woman involves a process of TRANSFORMATION. As we give ourselves to the King, He changes our carnal nature and gives us a spirit of obedience, faith and virtues. The Queen that we are is on her way to come forth and be all that she was created to be in all her glory and beauty.
For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.
Psalm 47:2
It is important to know that every woman’s Transformation Journey is different; the King will orchestrate the details of your journey and will be with you through it all. What matters is that you are aware of the need to be transformed and consent to the process without fear. The peace you seek will be received when you keep our minds stayed on God. As you stay focused, He will mold you into the image of His Son, Jesus with Whom you will rule and reign in His Kingdom
Much like the butterfly, we will gracefully endure the stages of transformation that will result in growing our beautiful wings so that we can soar high and do the work we were designed to do. The process of change is always ongoing and becomes easier as time passes. Let us enjoy the journey as God makes us into all we were created to be.
LET US PRAY
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of change; there are times when the unknown scares me, but Your word says: “You have not given me a spirit of fear”.
I acknowledge and appreciate that change in necessary in order for me to reflect your image and exude Your essence; please help me to embrace the changes I need to make to accomplish that goal.
As I embrace my role as a Queen, I know that I must be different at each stage so that I can undertake the responsibilities I will have. May my heart be tender and compliant with Your will for me as I walk this journey of transformation.
In Jesus’s Name I pray…Amen
