Change Your Life: How to Be Transformed into Who God Created You to Be
Do you like change? Often people are on one side or the other when it comes to change. They either embrace it and seek new opportunities and ways of doing things, or they can't stand when things get switched up. The latter believes, "If it's not broken, don't fix it!"
Unfortunately, that's how many of us go about our lives. We put up with a lot or don't want to change for the better because it will be work – and who likes work? For example, we know that staying away from sugar and exercising is what is needed to transform ourselves into healthy individuals, but that takes work. More than work, it takes disciplining our flesh – doing what we don't want to do and what doesn't come easy.
Romans 12:1-2 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Transformation happens when we present our bodies as a living sacrifice. I know that doesn't sound like a fun thing to do! Saying no to the flesh and yes to God isn't comfortable or easy, but it is necessary to transform into who God has created us to be.
Why Should We Want to Be Transformed?
Why should we want to be transformed in the first place? What if going about my life as always is good enough? Because the truth is, if we don't do the work of transformation, the only other option is that you will be conformed to the world and the world's systems.
Too many Christians settle for the "fire insurance" (saved and not going to hell) but refuse to walk in the blessing in store for those who have faith in God and choose to trust that He has good plans for us. Why would we want to live as a peasant when we've been invited into the King's kingdom and palace? His kingdom isn't reserved for when we die, but we can partake in God's kingdom right now!
We are His children. He doesn't want us to live like we are orphans. He wants to take care of us in every way – that's why He sent Jesus to die for us. Therefore, refusing to be transformed by changing our fleshly habits is a slap in the face to our Creator and to Jesus, who gave His life for us.
How to Be Transformed
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2
Our friends and loved ones who have passed from this life to glory are cheering us on to live our best life here. If they could speak to us, they would tell us to not worry about so many trivial things and waste our time holding on to our sins. They're cheering for us to step into all God has for us.
Lay Aside Every Weight
I enjoy working out and adding weights to my workout routines. However, I only want to carry those weights for a limited time. If I had to carry them all day, they would become a burden instead of helping me achieve my physical goals.
Our unresolved sins, which we refuse to let go of because our flesh can't say no, are like carrying heavy weights all day. You might think that the sin you're holding onto isn't a big deal, but over time it's wreaking havoc with your life and weighing you down. Those weights of sin prevent you from walking in the freedom and liberty that Jesus died to give us.
Get rid of those weights using 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Acknowledging that your sin is indeed sin is the first step. Many people have bought into the lie of "my truth" and therefore feel that what God has called sin isn't a sin for them. Friend, if God says it's a sin, we must eliminate it! You can read 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Galatians 5:19-21. Any disobedience to what God has told us to do is a sin and hinders our growth in Him.
Just Say No
There was a drug slogan in the 90's of "Just Say No." We must draw a line in the sand – especially with sin and just say no! Will you lose "friends" in the process? You might. Will people think you're weird? Probably. Will you feel free and liberated? Absolutely!
Maybe you need to make a list of things that pull you away from God or things in your life that God has called sin. Make a note of those things and systematically say no to each one. This means you might have to find some new friends, new shows to watch, new music to listen to, or new past times. But it's worth it.
Run Your Race
When my son ran cross country in High School, it was interesting to watch each person on his team run their race a little differently. Some would start fast, get a good lead, and either hold that lead or start losing their stamina. My son, on the other hand, took a little longer to get to a good pace but then increased in speed, passing one person and then another, till he was toward the front of the pack.
Everyone has their own race to run, just like each one of us has our own race to run in life. We can't let what others think dictate our race or what has "worked" for others. We need to seek God for our race plan (Jeremiah 29:11) and stick to it.
Fix Your Eyes On Jesus
Have you ever noticed that you will go in whatever direction you are looking? When you're driving down the street on a hot summer day and see that sign for ice cream, your car will magically find itself in front of that ice cream shop! Wherever you fix your eyes is where you give your attention and is where you will go. Therefore, what do you think would happen if you fix your eyes on Jesus and keep your focus on Him? You are going to become more like Him. You're going to want to spend time with Him and learn more about Him. When you get focused on Jesus, you will begin to be transformed into who He created you to be.
If you want help on this transformation journey and haven't yet read my book, Planted, I suggest starting there. Although it talks about anxiety, there are fundamental truths that will help you be transformed from the inside out. You can get your copy here or find it on Amazon.
