Transformed Instead of Conformed
Good morning, Immanuel! We are vigilant and give our all, but we do so in total dependence on the mercies of God.
“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 12:2)
When I was a kid, our family would go to the beach every few years. I loved playing in the ocean on a boogie board or with a snorkel. Then I’d look up and realize I was a hundred yards further down the beach than where I started. I had been casually enjoying myself, and the current had incrementally, gently moved me out of alignment with my parents. This is what it looks like to “be conformed” to the world. To stay in sight of them, in line with them, it took vigilance and effort, even as I was having fun. This is what it looks like to participate in the transformation God is working in us.
Every person in the world is either being conformed to the world or transformed by Christ. There is no neutral ground. None of us is treading water—we are either swimming against the world's current or being carried along by it. “The world” refers to the fallen state of the world, the bent of the world away from God. So, when Paul says “conformed,” he means we are being shaped by this, influenced by it; we fall in line with it subconsciously. It isn’t always (often) aggressive or loud, but it moves away from the heart of Jesus and the truth of his word.
Therefore, transformation looks like a constant, ongoing, vigilant attachment to Christ through prayer, his word, and fellowship with his people in the church (often the voices God uses to say, “You’re drifting!”). But be encouraged! Notice that Paul says “be transformed,” not “transform yourself.” We are vigilant and give our all, but we do so in total dependence on the mercies of God. And as we live faithfully, he transforms us.
FRIDAY PRAYER & FASTING
God does not act from compulsion. And that means prayer is not an attempt to convince God to be more a more generous or benevolent Giver. In fact, Jesus is more eager to answer our prayers than we are to pray them. Martin Luther reminds us that “Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of God's willingness.” So let’s lay hold of His willingness together as we seek a long-term home in Nashville to welcome all kinds of people, for the spiritual formation of rising generations and to help others into gospel culture. Join us in prayer and fasting every Friday morning from 6 am to 7 am in person at Immanuel.
Thankful 🙏🏼