“For those whom he [God the Father] foreknew he also
predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be
the firstborn among many brothers.” – Romans 8:29
Have you ever given any thought to what being conformed …
molded .. changed … means? Well, first
you know it is a spiritual change, right?
Second … you know that the process is going to be contrary to your
flesh. God will show you things through
the Spirit that you may not want to see or admit, even to yourself. (One of the Spirit’s missions is to convict
the world of sin. The Spirit plus the
Word of God are the “one-two” punch in the sanctification process. The knock-out punch is my surrendering my
will)
You know that there are certain aspects of your old nature
that you want to hide or cling to. Adam
and Eve tried to hide themselves in the Garden … recall how that worked out for
them. You might be able to hide your sin
from man, for a season, but from God? Not happening!
The Word says “Your sin will find you out.” (Numbers
32:23) God already knows everything ..
that is why when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9) .. we are merely “agreeing
with God” not revealing an unknown to Him.
The goal of our transformation – of our being conformed is not to make
you miserable, but to bless you .. to make you better. The pain or difficulty you experience is from
the battle between your flesh, your old nature, and Spirit, your new nature. My encouragement to you is the same as Paul’s
to the Romans.
“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
God won’t make you do that.
You must surrender your will.
Will you?
Soli Deo Gloria
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