Wow wow. I have read Romans 12 many times before, but in rereading it, the Holy Spirit has given me a new perspective. Verse 2, the most popular verse in the chapter, stuck out to me now more than before. It reads: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

The first part of this verse, to me, implies that the Romans (in this case we Christians) after consecrating themselves to God (Rom 8:1, 2 Cor 5:17) had worked hard to “recreate” themselves using the behavior and customs of the world. In the same way, we Christians today sometimes try to become “Brand New” or “Godly New” in our own power by changing our fashion style, our physical appearances, and our emotional reactions to certain situations…that’s so much stuff to change in our own strength! *insert exhausted face* no wonder we fall short.

What Paul is saying here is NOT to do these things, but to let [allow] God to transform us. The next part of this verse is our focus, “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Paul implies that the way to become a new person is in GOD changing the way we think. Now wait a minute, this has NOTHING to do with our physical appearances or emotional responses; however, these are strongly subject to change after the TRUE transformation of our minds through God’s precious hands. The benefits of God transforming our mindsets surpass anything words can describe; we can expect peace, clarity, confidence, strength, and so much more.

Now let’s see…How is it that all it takes to become Godly New is by God changing our thoughts?! Well, let’s go to the first part of Proverbs 23:7 KJV, it reads: “For as he [or man/woman] thinketh in his heart, so is he…” How powerful are these words?! As a man thinks, so is he. So the core existence of a man (or woman) IS a direct function of his/her thoughts (Thoughts + Heart= You); in other words YOUR thoughts in YOUR heart direct YOU! *Breathe* let’s say that together: MY thoughts in MY heart direct ME. EVERYTHING thing we do begins in our minds.

I’ve heard that whatever we find ourselves thinking about first thing in the morning is a major part of who we REALLY are. So if the first things we think of are negative things, guess what? we’re actually negative people, and if the first things we think about are positive things, then well…. you get the point. You may think “Moyo, that’s just your opinion;” Even King Solomon understood the importance of a good heart condition, he advised in Proverbs 4:23 NLT “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Let’ try this: pick out that friend of yours who just can’t help but be a negative Debbie downer, assess the words he/she CONSISTENTLY speaks and tell me if they are anything positive. We can apply this exercise to ourselves as well.

Well back to the main point, the ONLY way to really truly be that NEW creature, that lovely beautiful people in Christ after becoming born again, is by giving God sole ownership of our hearts & our thoughts. We NEED to say Y.E.S.; I call it yielding everything submissively. We must submit our all to Him. 2Corinthians tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” !YES YES! Once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and accept the forgiveness He offers, our old deeds (sins) become a memory and we activate the process/journey of transforming into Godly new people…THAT’S SO AWESOME!

I would do this a disservice if I do not mention this CRITICAL point: The journey can neither commence nor successfully conclude without The Trinity, God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and The Holy Spirit involved. God grants us the total forgiveness and redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ, and the ability to live out the commission (sharing the Good News of salvation) committed to us is endowed by strength from the Holy Spirit.

So, us trying, in our own limited finite wisdom, to accomplish our transformation or recreation WILL NOT result in a Godly new person, but a variation of that old person. In essence, the best we can do in our power is to create a mask that covers that old being.  Essentially we are still that filthy, disgusting, unholy people internally, but we look “fly” externally. That doesn’t help anyone much does it? NO. Now don’t get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong with looking fabulous, beautiful, dashing, handsome, or dapper; however,we must ensure that we’re the same inwardly because putting lipstick on a pig doesn’t make it any less a pig. If we truly seek to be Godly new, we MUST let God beautifully transform us inwardly.

I’d like to ask: Are you seeking transformation? Do you wish to be Godly New? If your answer to both questions is YES, CRY OUT TO HIM! Let God have your heart and your thoughts, let Him be the center of who you are. Be a transformed man and woman of God IN God.

Be Transformed,

∼Moyo∼

I’d like to provide an opportunity to those who are yet to meet with Jesus. If you have a deep desire to know Jesus and enter into the kingdom of God you are in great company. I did at some point in my life, and it was the greatest desire that God ever met!

I invite you to pray the sinner’s prayer: Dear Jesus, I accept that I am a sinner and I confess my sins before you. I believe that you died for my sins and rose again to give me new life.  I ask that you forgive me of my sins; cleanse me with your precious blood which you shed on the cross of Calvary. I accept you as my personal Lord and Savior. Fill me up with your Holy Spirit and strengthen me. I profess that I am a new creature; old things have passed away and I have become new in You. Thank You Lord! In Jesus name, AMEN!

If you prayed the prayer, WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM FAMILY!! Be sure to find a bible believing, Spirit led church in your city and purchase a bible in a version that you understand. I use the  New Living Translation, Message, or the New International Version. Enjoy the journey!