Transformed

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. (Romans 12:1-2 ESV). I know many people who desire to be someone else. They are not happy with how their life has progressed thus far, and may be discontent in their relationships, defeating attitudes, lack of education, or jobs. This list could go on and on, I am sure. However, life is so much more than these things. When people desire to be someone else they tend to sit around and mope; complaining about how unfair and cruel life is, as they do nothing to improve the matters, which displease them so. What are you willing to do to be transformed from the person you are, to the individual you COULD be? This may sound like a futuristic sci-fi movie, but the truth of the matter is that this ability has been with us all along. Not only does it require our own self-determination to make a better life for ourselves, but also, what is most important and required is our genuine desire to allow GOD to transform us! As the above Bible reading reveals, we can be a new person by changing the way we think. Through the truth, strength and goodness of God, we can replace negative, unproductive and ungodly thoughts and mindsets with positive ones that will glorify God and bring us more peace and joy. So too, as this same verse conveys, will we better understand what it is what God requires of those who call upon His name, and that purpose, my dear friends, is rooted and grounded in truth and love. These are qualities, which have the ability to change hearts and transform lives. It is what allows some of us to offer those who have wronged us, forgiveness, and it is what permits us to trust God with every corner of our life as He indeed is all-knowing and loving. All that is required is the desire for a better way, and if you truly wish for something, do you just sit around and wait for it to fall in to your lap? Or, do you search for it, and do what is required to obtain it? A relationship with God is not a difficult thing to find. He is standing at the doorway of our lives, and all we need do is open that door. When we do, we will truly be transformed.