CONFORMED VS. TRANSFORMED All rights reserved. Copyright © 2014, MOAMFJ
I BESEECH YOU THEREFORE, BRETHREN, BY THE MERCIES OF GOD, THAT YE PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY, ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD, WHICH IS YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE. AND BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD: BUT BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YE MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD, AND ACCEPTABLE, AND PERFECT, WILL OF GOD. ROMANS 12:1,2; KJV There are 2 types of change: Temporary, conditional, inconsistent change i.e. conformed Permanent, real change i.e. transformed
The goal of conformity is selfish. Changes are made simply to derive some personal benefit. The path of being all things to all kinds of people is the path of least resistance.
The witness of a conformed life is variable since it depends on perceived, favourable prevailing conditions. Like a chameleon once the conditions change the witness modifies itself to blend into the environment in which the person operates. Since the goal of conformity is grounded in selfishness the focus of this life will not be on the preservation of truth unless a personal advantage is unreliable. Christ identifies such a witness as unfaithful and untrustworthy. Such a variable witness is both unreliable and unpredictable. This kind of witness tries to serve multiple masters, a task which is impossible. God cannot use such a person. Before serving Christ, self must be denied and Christ’s cross taken up and carried forward. To be transformed to Christ’s ways or to remain transformed to the ways of the world requires a choice. Its an either/or type of situation. Each choice carries both benefits and consequences. It is impossible to enjoy the benefits of both sides (Christ versus the world).
The tests of the Christian faith over time prove our choice, ways, degree of faithfulness and determination. You are under scrutiny! Are you passing or failing Christ’s test? Parents tend to be fascinated by their children. They are amazed over their image in their children. The similarity in features, and sometimes similarity in behaviour and achievements between parent and child is usually obvious.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12 KJV
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; Ephesians 5:1 KJV The similarity between Christ and HIS Church ought to be obvious. When a Christian mixes Christ’s ways and values with those belonging to the world, this mixture results in an unpredictable, unreliable and untrustworthy child of God. Such a child does not resemble God the Father in thought, speech and choices. Such an example cannot be used by God. To be transformed to Christ’s ways is to allow the Spirit of God and the Word of God (i.e. The Bible) to uproot and replace our natural ways with
Christ’s ways. Transformed children of God are useful to helping HIM achieve HIS will in Earth. Are you conformed or transformed?
To receive from the world you must first invest in it. To extract resources from the world you must invest in it. But by the law of unfair contract terms you are not told that what you invest in the world over time is more than you will ever extract. While you will succeed you will also lose in areas you are not prepared to lose. The world and its ways offers you a gamble with fantastic prizes
but its fine print when read reveals a high investment upfront. Many have gambled with the world’s system and lost. Other coming behind you will try their hand and lose. Christ on the other hand reveals upfront the cost of carrying His yoke. So those who choose to be transformed to His way can make an informed decision. Christ’s yoke is easy and light compared to the ultimate demands of the world. Do you belong to Christ? Or are you remaining in the world?