Transformed
A couple of years ago, my grandson Will was given a small toy
called a Bakugan. It was similar to a transformer since it starts out in a
simple shape such as a sphere, triangle or cubes, but explodes opening into
battle like creatures. He was super excited because his best friend, Elliot‘s
older brother had a large collection and so Will thought they were “cool.”
Immediately upon tearing into the package he tried
desperately to get the small round object to pop open but with no success. He
brought it to me for assistance, because usually I’m pretty good at solving spatial
challenges. I pushed and pulled and poked and prodded, but no success. I then
took more serious measures, by inserting sharp objects and finally managed to
pry the toy open. It seemed that there should be an easier way, if they were
made for children.
Later we discovered that in the heap of packaging there was
a solution for getting them open. It was quite simple. You basically placed the
object on top of the card containing a magnet and it popped open automatically,
without any pushing or poking. So easy when you use the right method, so hard
when you try to do it your own way. It was transformed in less than a second,
effortlessly without any work at all.
We are told that we too need to be transformed as followers
of Christ. In Romans 12:2 it says, “Do
not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good,
pleasing and perfect will.” This verse says that it is the renewing of our
minds that helps us to be transformed--changed.
What does renewing our minds mean? Keeping them continually
focused on Jesus and every time that we get off track remembering to turn it
back to Him. Transformation is not supposed to be a difficult process, but it’s
as simple as putting the Bakugan on the magnet, if we will just keep our minds
on Him.
God’s method of transformation is easy, focus on Him. Our
ways can be so much more complicated. We try to make ourselves change by taking
action, doing something instead of keeping our eyes on Him. Which will you
choose His way or yours?
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