Transformed into His Likeness? Glory!

Romans 12: 1-2 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

These are two of my favorite verses in the Bible. Note I didn’t say easy-to-do verses but loved nonetheless because they have given great hope that I can change.  As I give myself to God, I no longer need to hang onto dealing with life the way I used to – as those in the world who don’t know the Lord continue to do.  I no longer need to live in fear, feeling like I am on my own, making decisions based on my best guess.  In other words, I am called to live a counter-cultural life [ie transformed], as I was reminded by Pastor Buff in this sermon series.

I am being transformed to reflect Jesus’ glory: He is the radiance of God’s glory; I reflect that glory as I live in and with Him, being changed into His likeness by His Holy Spirit (see 2 Cor 3:18).  What a glorious thought!

I am reminded of the song, “I Will Change Your Name.”

I will change your name.

You shall no longer be called
Wounded, outcast, lonely, or afraid.
 
I will change your name.
Your new name shall be
Confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one,
Faithfulness, friend of God, one who seeks my face

(and I might add, “One who bears My name”).

 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the hope of transformation, the promise of a new name, and the glorious joy of being a reflection of your Son’s glory. Amen